The acquisition of one of the most undervalued free agents signed by the Jets was the ideal low-cost, high-reward move to strengthen the special teams unit.
Justin Hardee, a defensive back and special teams gunner has reached an agreement with New York to sign a contract worth $5.25 million over three years.
However, just $1 million of that total is guaranteed. According to Connor Hughes of The Athletic, Hardee’s guaranteed money is comprised of a $750,000 roster bonus that is due on the fifth day of the league year and $250,000 of his $1.35 million base salary for 2021.
This bonus is due on the fifth day of the league year.
Following the year 2021, Hardee is scheduled to receive base pay of $1.8 million in 2022 and $2.1 million in 2023. His salary cap hits are $2.35 million for this year, $2.05 million for the following year, and $2.35 million for the year 2023.
Additionally, he is eligible to receive per-game roster incentives that can reward him up to a maximum of $250,000 annually.
Even while it’s not a huge deal, it has the potential to make a significant impact on the Jets’ special teams. The Jets allowed the sixth-most yards per return in the NFL in 2020, despite the fact that Braden Mann led the NFL in punts.
The Saints, which Hardee played for before, had the fewest yards allowed per punt return, and Hardee himself finished with nine tackles and a 90.4 grade from Pro Football Focus.
How Much Does Justin Hardee Make?
Ahmad Gardner makes an average of $8,362,700 per year. Gardner’s base salary in 2022 will be $705,000, and he will get a signing bonus of $21,507,856. His cap hit will be $6,081,964.