Packers Receiver Turns Down Chiefs Chooses to Wait for Packers Opportunity
Posted September 7, 2025
Green Bay, WI — September 7, 2025
When rookie wideout Xavier Worthy went down with a shoulder injury in the Chiefs’ season-opening loss to the Chargers, Kansas City’s receiving corps was thrown into chaos. The defending champions suddenly faced the prospect of entering Week 2 without their most explosive deep threat, raising immediate questions about where reinforcements might come from.
Speculation grew quickly that the Chiefs would look to a familiar face, someone who knew Andy Reid’s system, already had chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, and could step right in to provide veteran speed. Fans buzzed with anticipation that a reunion might be in the works.
But that storyline hit a twist. The player in question — Mecole Hardman, currently stashed on the Packers’ practice squad — has made it clear he isn’t leaving Green Bay.
“I’ll always be grateful for my time in Kansas City, but right now my focus is here. I believe in what we’re building in Green Bay, and I want to earn my shot on the field with the Packers.”
Hardman’s refusal leaves Kansas City scrambling, while at the same time putting quiet pressure on Green Bay. By staying, he signals loyalty to the Packers — but sources close to the receiver note that it also serves as a warning: if he doesn’t get meaningful snaps soon, the team could lose his commitment.
For the Chiefs, the rejection means turning to less experienced options or the free-agent market. For the Packers, it means balancing their receiver rotation carefully, because one of their practice-squad veterans just made a very public bet on himself — and on Green Bay.












