OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced Monday that they have extended American receiver Justin Hardy, keeping one of their most productive offensive weapons off the free‑agent market. Hardy had been slated to become a free agent in February and ranked No. 25 on CFL.ca’s Top 30 pending free agents list.
Hardy, 34, appeared in all 18 games for Ottawa in 2025, recording 78 receptions for 1,019 yards and eight touchdowns. The Vanceboro, N.C., native reached the 1,000‑yard mark for the third straight season and earned East Division All‑CFL honours.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Ottawa for another year,” Hardy said. “The support from RNation is second to none and I can’t wait to play in front of the best fans in the CFL again this season.”
Since joining the REDBLACKS in 2022, Hardy has played 59 games, amassing 304 receptions for 3,787 yards and 16 touchdowns. His 2024 campaign was the best of his CFL career, producing 97 catches for 1,343 yards, earning All‑CFL recognition and serving as Ottawa’s nominee for Most Outstanding Player. He has been named an East Division All‑CFL selection in each of the past three seasons.
“We’re extremely excited to have Justin back in Ottawa next season,” said head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie. “He’s one of the most talented receivers in the CFL, and his playmaking ability will continue to be a key to our offence going forward.”
An East Carolina product, Hardy was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round (107th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. He appeared in 73 games over five seasons with Atlanta, totaling 95 receptions for 946 yards and 27 touchdowns, and later spent time with the Chicago Bears in 2021 before joining Ottawa.
