OTTAWA — Justin Hardy isn’t going anywhere.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed their All-CFL receiver, and Ottawa’s unanimous 2024 Most Outstanding Player nominee, to a one-year contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday.
Hardy was scheduled to become a free agent in February and was ranked No. 5 on CFL.ca’s top 30 pending free agents list.
“Over the past two seasons, Justin has established himself as one of the league’s elite receivers,” said REDBLACKS head coach Bob Dyce. “His relentless pursuit of excellence, professionalism and leadership provide us with both consistency, and big play ability. We are thrilled to have him back for 2025.”
RELATED
» 5 reasons Bob Dyce, REDBLACKS are excited for 2025
» REDBLACKS extend American QB Dustin Crum
» REDBLACKS sign punter Richie Leone to one-year extension
» REDBLACKS, Addison agree to one-year contract extension
» Buy tickets for the 2025 season
» View the 2025 schedule here
» Subscribe to the CFL’s official YouTube channel
» Subscribe to the CFL’s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates
Hardy, 32, secured his second consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2024, finishing second in the CFL with 1,343 yards while missing a pair of games. The Washington, DC native’s 97 receptions were the league’s top mark, while leading the REDBLACKS with five touchdown grabs. Hardy also ran the ball nine times for 76 yards, and made seven catches for 83 yards in Ottawa’s Eastern Semi-Final matchup with the Toronto Argonauts.
“I’m glad to be staying in Ottawa for another year,” said Hardy. “I’m excited to get back to work and contribute for my team as we go after the Grey Cup.”
A walk-on at East Carolina in 2010, Hardy left the program in 2014 as the NCAA’s all-time leader in receptions. He was selected in the fourth round, 107th overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2015 NFL Draft, and would go on to appear in 73 games over the next five seasons, racking up 946 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 95 catches.
After spending time with the Chicago Bears in 2021, Hardy made his way to the nation’s capital in 2022, and broke out with a 2023 season that saw him record 1,009 yards and three touchdowns on 85 catches, earning an East Division All-CFL nod.
Ottawa also announced on Wednesday they have extended wide receiver Bralon Addison.