The Ottawa Redblacks have re-signed all-star receiver Justin Hardy for the 2024 season, per sources.
The 32-year-old was scheduled to hit free agency on Tuesday, Feb. 13, but will now remain in the nation’s capital on a deal worth around $140,000 in hard money. The extension came just one day prior to the opening of the CFL’s negotiating window, which would have allowed him to speak with other teams. He was 3DownNation‘s ninth-ranked pending free agent receiver.
Hardy first joined the Redblacks ahead of the 2022 season, appearing in seven games and making 44 catches for 416 yards. He had a breakthrough campaign in 2023, leading the Redblacks with 85 receptions for 1,009 yards and three touchdowns to earn an East Division all-star selection.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Hardy played in 73 games over five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and caught 95 passes for 946 yards and nine touchdowns. The five-foot-ten, 192-pound pass catcher earned over $3.8 million USD while playing in the NFL.
A former walk-on at East Carolina University, Hardy still sits fourth all-time in NCAA career receiving yards. He caught 387 passes for 4,541 yards and 35 touchdowns in 49 collegiate games as a member of the Pirates.
The Redblacks will begin their 2024 season when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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