Who Should I Start? Mecole Hardman or Jalin Hyatt

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.

Tuesday, May 27, 9:35 AM

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt "mentally checked out at points last season after clashing with the coaching staff and upper management," according to Connor Hughes of SNY. Hughes opined that Hyatt should have played more than he did last season, and that the young receiver seems to be stuck in the doghouse. Moving forward, Hyatt's speed and athleticism make him an intriguing pass-catching option in an offense led by veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. However, if he can't find himself in the coaching staff's good graces, he may have trouble seeing the field or even making the roster. As it stands, Hyatt projects as the team's No. 4 receiver, but he could face competition from depth players or a potential free agent addition, such as Gabe Davis.