Who Should I Start? Mecole Hardman or Tyler 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.

Saturday, March 15, 12:15 PM

Former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson has signed an undisclosed contract with the New York Jets. The 25-year-old is entering his sixth season in the league after spending two years with the Rams and the first three seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A former fifth-round pick, Johnson got a good amount of playing time early in 2024 while LA dealt with injuries to Puka Nacua and former wideout Cooper Kupp. However, he's climbed the depth chart with his new squad and figures to slot in as the Jets' second or third option in their WR corps. New York may continue to bolster their core of pass-catchers. Still, Johnson presents as a low-risk, high-reward option as the Jets continue to retool their roster.