Who Should I Start? Mecole Hardman or Collin Johnson

Tuesday, March 18, 9:06 PM

Free-agent wide receiver/return specialist Mecole Hardman (knee) is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Hardman will take his speed to the Packers while contributing both on offense and special teams as a kick returner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder (56th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 out of the University of Georgia caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns while carrying the ball five times for 62 yards and a touchdown in 12 regular-season games before suffering a knee injury in December that landed him on Injured Reserve. The Packers could use the receiver depth with Christian Watson (knee) likely to miss around half of the 2025 season, but Hardman could struggle for consistent involvement in Green Bay's offense, much like he did in KC, behind Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs.

Thursday, May 1, 3:56 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent wideout Collin Johnson on Thursday, according to NFL.com. The former Texas Longhorn was originally a fifth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. However, he spent just one year with the team before a two-year stint with the New York Giants and two seasons with the Chicago Bears. Overall, Johnson has hauled in 31 passes for 394 yards and two touchdowns in 38 career games. After the Raiders selected Jack Bech in Round 2 and Dont'e Thornton Jr. in Round 4 of the 2025 NFL Draft, it would be a surprise if Johnson makes the active roster and is on the fantasy football radar next season.