Justin

Hardee Sr.

Another special teams ace finds a late-offseason landing spot. This will be Hardee’s ninth year in the pros — he made the Pro Bowl in 2022 with the Jets — and he has played 2288 special teams snaps compared to 116 on defense. The trend should continue in 2025, which means we will be blurbing him for his next one-year deal next offseason.

Hardee has spent the last three seasons with the Jets as a core special teamer. He tallied three solo tackles last season, excelling in kick and punt coverage as a gunner. Hardee now returns to his hometown of Cleveland as the Browns add a special teams ace to their group.

Hardee had surgery Friday after re-injuring his hamstring in practice this week. The 29-year-old special teamer is expected to be placed on IR. Hardee will be first eligible to return in Week 10 vs the Raiders.

Although very lightly used on defense, Hardee was one of the Saints’ most important special teamers over the past four seasons. Now 27 years old, Hardee is being signed for his work on the third unit. Hardee is one of the league’s best regarded gunners.

Hardee has been a core special teamer for the past three seasons, rarely seeing consistent snaps on defense. The former undrafted free agent has 39 tackles in 46 career games.

Although a core special teamer the past three years, Hardee has just over 100 career snaps on defense. He turned 26 last month.

All four players were exclusive rights free agents, so it was either sign the Saints’ offers or walk away from the sport. Hardee is a core special teams asset, while Tom is one of the top interior line backups for New Orleans.