Jets lose special teams ace Justin Hardee to Browns with new kickoff rules looming
NY Post
The Jets will attempt the NFL’s new kickoffs without their best coverage specialist.
Justin Hardee, who was a 2022 Pro Bowl selection in the second of his three seasons with the Jets, signed a free-agent contract Tuesday with the Browns. The two-time captain is returning to his native Cleveland.
Hardee was among the league leaders over the last three seasons with 998 special teams snaps, excelling on punt and kickoff coverage to where he often drew double-team blocks.
He practices at cornerback, too, though he only logged one defensive snap during his Jets career.
The NFL adopted an XFL-style kickoff rule last week that is meant to increase the number of returns while still emphasizing player safety by minimizing running-start full-speed collisions.
Kickoff fair catches have been eliminated, and any ball that lands between the 20-yard line and the goal line must be returned unless it rolls into the end zone.
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