Just when you thought the Chicago Bears were ready to roll into training camp with the receivers already at Halas Hall, a new name joins the mix.
After trading WR Anthony Miller to the #Texans, the #Bears have signed former #Falcons WR Justin Hardy, source said. The ex-Atlanta fourth-rounder gets a shot in Chicago.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2021
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweets the Bears are signing free agent receiver Justin Hardy.
UPDATE – Corresponding moves:
#Bears roster moves:
We have signed WRs Justin Hardy and Jon’Vea Johnson and have waived DB Rojesterman Farris and WR Khalil McClain.— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) July 28, 2021
The Falcons chose Hardy in the fourth round (107th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Hardy, 29, has 95 career catches, 946 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns in 73 career games. There isn’t a ton of starting experience (just 6 games) under Hardy’s belt. However, Hardy has experience as a return specialist, collecting 20 punt returns and snagging two kick returns back in 2018. Also worth noting is that Hardy did not play in 2020. So, in other words, this signing seems like a dart throw. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with that this time of year. Especially considering Chicago’s desire to create competition throughout the roster.
All things considered, the Hardy signing looks like the Bears adding a camp body for good measure. And, frankly, I’m cool with that. I suppose a team with three quarterbacks on its camp roster needs a stable of able-bodied pass-catchers. No harm, no foul when it comes to adding depth. Just don’t be surprised if Hardy doesn’t make it all the way through to the Week 1 roster. The summertime roster churn waits for no one.