Who Should I Start? Mecole Hardman or DeVonta Smith

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.

Monday, February 10, 12:31 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught four of his five targets for 69 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old epitomized consistency over the last month, catching exactly four passes in each of his four playoff games. At times, Smith has looked more productive than A.J. Brown, and he got the edge over his teammate on Sunday by pacing all Eagles receivers in catches and yards. Although Smith himself had some inconsistent moments throughout the regular season, there is no denying that he is a talented player in an incredibly potent offense. Even as he loses some opportunities to Brown, Saquon Barkley, and Jalen Hurts, there is clearly a path for Smith to finish as a mid-range WR2 in 2025 fantasy football.