The Ottawa Redblacks and wide receiver have reached an agreement for a one-year contract extension.

The Ottawa Redblacks and wide receiver Justin Hardy have reached an agreement for a one-year contract extension, extending his tenure with the team through the 2024 season. The news was reported by John Hodge of 3DownNation and AJ Jakubec of TSN 1200 Radio Ottawa.

Standing at five feet ten inches and weighing 192 pounds, the 32-year-old native of Washington, D.C., had an impressive 2023 season with the Redblacks. In 18 games, Hardy recorded 85 catches for 1,009 yards, three touchdowns, and two kick returns for 57 yards. His stellar performance earned him the title of CFL East All-Star in 2023.

Hardy initially joined the Redblacks as a free agent on March 18, 2022. During the 2022 season, he contributed with 44 catches for 416 yards, one carry for five yards, and one kick return for 19 yards across seven games.

Before his time with Ottawa, Hardy was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round (107th pick) of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons with the Falcons, amassing 95 catches for 946 yards, nine touchdowns, five kick returns for 59 yards, and 20 punt returns for 147 yards in 73 games.

In his collegiate career at East Carolina University from 2011 to 2014, Hardy showcased his skills with 387 catches for 4,541 yards, 35 touchdowns, completing 4 of 10 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, one carry for seven yards and a touchdown, and 63 punt returns for 495 yards in 49 games for the Pirates. He earned First Team All-C-USA honors in 2013 and First Team All-AAC in 2014.