A blocking-first tight end who transferred from Elon to NC State, Cody Hardy signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent after a run-blocking-heavy senior season.
Cody Hardy spent three seasons developing at Elon before transferring to NC State for his final college year, where he built a reputation as a physical, high-grade run blocker. He went unselected in the 2026 NFL draft but signed with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent, hoping his blocking and special-teams value can carve out a roster spot.
Path to the league
Hardy attended Parkwood High School in Monroe, North Carolina, where he also won a state wrestling title before starring at tight end. He played three seasons at Elon, appearing in 32 games with 16 starts, before transferring to NC State in December 2024 for his senior season, choosing the Wolfpack over offers from Auburn, Illinois and Oklahoma State among others. Hardy signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL draft.
Career highlights
At Elon, Hardy caught 10 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown across his three seasons while developing his blocking. He has been more of a blocking tight end throughout his career, and his run-blocking grade jumped to 80.8 by Pro Football Focus in his final college season at NC State. At 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds, he projects primarily as an in-line blocker at the next level.
2025 season recap
In his lone season at NC State in 2025, Hardy caught six passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns while grading out as a strong run blocker for the Wolfpack. His receiving numbers were modest, but his blocking earned him a look from the Saints, who signed him as an undrafted free agent. He will need to show special-teams value to stick on New Orleans' roster.
Sources
- Pack Insider: Cody Hardy Signs with Saints
- CBS Sports: Saints' Cody Hardy picked up by New Orleans
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- offense
- College
- NC State
- Hometown
- Monroe, NC, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
