The New York Jets The team's offseason has been marked by big names signing in free agency, but they are losing a crucial special teams leader, Justin Hardee, who is now signed with a different team.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport posted to X reported on Tuesday, April 2 that the Cleveland Browns have signed Hardee to a new contract.
Hardee originally played high school football in the Cleveland area, so the deal allows the 30-year-old special teams expert to return home and establish a role with a new team.
As for the Jets, they'll need to find a new leader to help out on special teams in 2024.
Justin Hardee’s Unusual NFL Journey
Although Hardee has never been a standout player, his unique NFL career has allowed him to remain in the league. He is now entering his eighth NFL season thanks to his new deal with the Browns.
Hardee was a 3-star recruit coming out of Glenville High School in Cleveland. His scholarship offers mostly came from MAC schools like Toledo, Akron, and Bowling Green. However, he chose his only Power Five offer and committed to play for the Illinois Fighting Illini.
While playing as a cornerback in the NFL, Hardee was a wide receiver for five years with Illinois. His performance during his college career was minimal, catching just 72 passes for 841 yards and a single touchdown in 38 games.
Hardee transitioned to the position of undrafted free agent. After not making the final 53-man roster for the Houston Texans, he landed with the New Orleans Saints practice squad. He ended up becoming a crucial special teams player for the Saints, playing with the team for four seasons.
Following a successful time with the Saints, including NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in 2017, Hardee joined the Jets in 2021. His consistent role on special teams earned him Pro Bowl honors in 2022, as well as being named a team captain.
Now, Hardee will aim to continue playing a significant role on special teams while returning home to play for the Browns.
The Jets Have Had Strong Special Teams
Losing a player like Hardee may not seem like a major loss. However, the 30-year-old has played a significant part in the team’s special teams success over the years.
According to FTN, the Jets had the fifth-best special teams by DVOA in 2023. That ranking dipped in 2022 during Hardee’s Pro Bowl season, but it was even higher in 2021. In that season, the Jets had the second-best special teams by DVOA, coming just behind the Baltimore Ravens.
The Jets are hoping that Hardee's departure doesn’t have a big impact on their special teams. Meanwhile, they're counting on key additions on both offense and defense to compensate for some of the potential decline on that side of the ball.
New contributors like Haason Reddick, Tyron Smith, and Mike Williams could significantly improve the offense and defense, potentially reducing the necessity for the special teams to keep the Jets competitive in games in 2024.
If that happens, then the Jets could be genuine Super Bowl contenders next season, regardless of how the special teams unit performs.
