Justin Hardy joined the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Dan Quinn’s first in Atlanta, and did nothing for four seasons but provide steady if limited production as the team’s fourth receiver. In four years, he reeled in 76 receptions for 751 yards and nine touchdowns, provided underrated blocking ability, and enjoyed a brief and ill-fated adventure as one of the team’s returners.
For all that, he made it to free agency this year without a word from the Falcons about whether he’d be returning or not. With Dirk Koetter re-joining the offense, it was not at all clear whether the Falcons would be making an effort to bring him back, and whether Hardy would get a better offer elsewhere.