The Atlanta Falcons announced today they are bringing back wide receiver Justin Hardy on a one-year deal.
Hardy was selected in the fourth round of the 2015Â NFL draft out of East Carolina where he became the FBS career receptions leader. His collegiate success hasn’t translated to the NFL, however, averaging less than 200 yards receiving in his four years in Atlanta.
Hardy also served as the Falcons primary kick and punt return option – a position that looked to be filled when the team signed Kenjon Barner. That is a situation worth monitoring as the season approaches.
The move is the sixth free agent signing of the offseason, all of which have taken place on the offensive side. Adding Hardy gives the Falcons five wide receivers going into 2019 (Jones, Sanu, Ridley, Hardy, and Gage), potentially allowing Thomas Dimitroff to hold off on picking another wide receiver in the draft and focusing even more on the defensive side of the ball.
(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)