incent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jets sit by and watch former team captain sign with AFC rival before the NFL draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Mike Antoniou | Last updated 4/2/24

There are three phases to an NFL team although one is often overlooked and can have a major impact on the outcome of every game.

There’s offense. There’s defense. And there is special teams. The New York Jets watched their special teams get weaker today as former teams captain Justin Hardee has reportedly agreed to a contract with the Cleveland Browns.

Hardee is from the Cleveland area and his signing is something of a homecoming for the 30-year old.

Hardee is entering his eighth NFL season out of Illinois and has been a key piece in kick and punt return coverage over his career.

Originally signed by Houston as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Hardee has appeared in 100 career games with the Saints (2017-20) and Jets (2021-23) and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2022. He has recorded one career interception and 63 special teams tackles.

The #Browns are signing former #Jets core special teamer Justin Hardee, sources say. Hardee has excelled on kick and punt coverage, among his ST skills. pic.twitter.com/wyLn1dKBKX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2024

Hardee signed with the Jets in 2021 and spent the last three seasons with the team. Last season, he appeared in 11 games and registered five special teams tackles.

The terms of Hardee's contract with the Browns are not immediately known, but his previous deal with the Jets was three years for $1.77 million.

The Jets were likely interested in bringing Hardee back, but much like Jadeveon Clowney, the draw of going home might have been too much to ignore.

Hardee can be seen telling quarterback Joe Flacco to “win a chip for my city” after the Browns defeated the Jets last season to clinch a spot in the playoffs. He now gets the opportunity to be a part of a championship run with his hometown team.

Jets players lined up postgame to show @JoeFlacco some love @Browns pic.twitter.com/ywX4Qs6yex
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 1, 2024

While not a sexy position, it is not one that can be ignored. Hardee was a key part of the special teams. With the NFL changing the kickoff rules which will lead to more returns this season, specialists like Justin Hardee will become more and more important.

The Jets began free agency by securing their special teams re-signing kicker Greg Zuerlein and punter Thomas Morstead. Now the Jets will look to add one more piece to their special teams either in free agency or via the draft later this month.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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