The Jets are losing a key piece of their special teams group in a season in which the kickoff rules are changing to the old XFL ways.
Justin Hardee, who became the leader of the unit over the last three seasons, is joining the Cleveland Browns, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Browns officially announced the signing shortly afterwards.
Hardee was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2022. He spent three seasons with the Jets after four seasons in New Orleans. He now essentially gets to go home. Hardee was born in Cleveland and went o high school in Glenville before playing his college ball at Illinois.
With Hardee gone, Irv Charles should continue to see his role in special teams grow. He became a reliable gunner for the Jets last season and was another special teams gem uncovered by special teams coordinator Brant Boyer.