Free-agent cornerback and special teams ace Justin Hardee is signing with the Cleveland Browns, as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 30-year-old was originally undrafted out of Illinois in the 2017 class and has appeared in 100 games through his first seven professional seasons. Hardee spent the first four seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints before a three-year stint with the New York Jets. He earned Pro Bowl honors for his work on special teams in 2022, which is likely where the Browns are primarily interested in utilizing him. Hardee has racked up 78 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception thus far in his career.
The New York Jets agreed to an undisclosed three-year deal with free-agent cornerback Justin Hardee on Tuesday, according to a source. Hardee was a core special teams player for the New Orleans Saints in four seasons with the team. He played in 56 games for New Orleans in his time there. Hardee is listed as a cornerback, but he only played one snap on defense in 2020. The 27-year-old served as a gunner on the Saints punt team and helped them set an NFL record last year for fewest punt-return yards allowed. Hardee also has a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and was a wide receiver at Illinois before converting to defensive back. He has 47 career tackles and recorded an interception in 2018 when he played 77 defensive snaps.
