Free agent Justin Hardy, Ottawa Redblacks agree on new contract

by | Jan 22, 2025

ECU Alum and free agent wide receiver Justin Hardy has agreed to a new contract with his current team, the Ottawa Redblacks.

The team was among the first to announce the news, posting Wednesday afternoon to X and its website. According to the team’s website, Hardy and Ottawa agreed to a one-year contract extension.

“I’m glad to be staying in Ottawa for another year,” said Hardy in the team’s media release. “I’m excited to get back to work and contribute for my team as we go after the Grey Cup.”

The Craven County native had another banner CFL season, earning All-CFL honors along with fellow ECU Alum Stanley Bryant of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Hardy, 32, earned his first career selection after finishing second in the league in receiving with 1,343 yards and five touchdowns. He did that despite missing two games in the season. His 97 catches were the CFL’s best.

Hardy also ran the ball for 76 yards on nine carries. He had seven catches for 83 yards in Ottawa’s East semifinal loss to the Toronto Argonauts, who feature another ECU alum in defensive back DeShaun Amos.

The Argonauts went on to win the CFL’s Grey Cup.

Hardy was ranked No. 5 among free agents by CFL.ca. The website believed at the time he would stay in Ottawa but could command big bucks.

Terms of the contract were not announced by the team.

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