The Green Bay Packers signing Mecole Hardman didn't go down particularly well with the fan base (guilty as charged).
It had less to do with Hardman's ability, especially on special teams, but more due to the previous hopes of landing Davante Adams or DK Metcalf. Hardman isn't the difference-maker the Packers need, and he may not even start. We can take it one step further: Hardman might not make the 53-man roster.
However, despite barely playing on offense for the Kansas City Chiefs or New York Jets over the past two seasons, Hardman's biggest impact comes on special teams.
And his arrival in Green Bay could perfectly sync with a notable rule change, should it pass this week.
Potential rule change on kickoffs would benefit Packers' Mecole Hardman
Hardman could win a roster spot due to his special-teams contributions alone, and the NFL may soon make his life far easier.
This week, teams will vote on a rule change that would move touchbacks to the 35-yard line. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, the league believes it would increase the amount of returns to somewhere between 60 and 70 percent.
To avoid their opponent's drive beginning at the 35-yard line, kicking teams would have more reason to drop the ball into the "landing zone" instead of booting it out of the end zone.
More returns? That's fine for the Packers. Hardman is a former second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler for his success as a returner. He only returned five kicks in 2024 but averaged a healthy 26.4 yards.
Rich Bisaccia is under pressure to turn Green Bay's special-teams fortunes around. Pro Football Focus handed the unit a 58.5 grade last season, an NFL worst. Keisean Nixon previously provided All-Pro-level return play but struggled to find the same consistency after the 2024 rule changes. Nixon also made it clear he had no interest in returning kicks anymore.
Hardman could take that job. His game-changing speed helps him generate big-time returns.
The proposed rule changes could force teams to kick it short, and that could play directly into the Packers' hands with Hardman.
