Who Should I Start? Stefon Diggs or Mecole Hardman

Friday, March 28, 4:14 PM

On Friday, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) noted that he's excited to play with quarterback Drake Maye. "I'm excited. I really look forward to it," Diggs said. The Maryland product was productive in eight games with the Houston Texans in 2024 before an ACL tear derailed his season. Now, he's set to boost the Patriots' passing game and is reportedly on track to be ready for Week 1. New England's leading receiver a season ago was tight end Hunter Henry (66-674-2), so the 31-year-old enters a favorable situation to garner a significant target share right away if he's healthy. The Patriots have somewhat bolstered their offensive line in free agency but still have some work to do in that aspect. If their front is addressed, affording Maye more time to operate, Diggs could again provide value as a PPR asset, barring a setback in his recovery.

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.