Hardee was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2017.[4] He was waived on September 2.[5]
On September 7, 2017, Hardee was signed to the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints.[6] He was promoted to the active roster on September 23.[7] In Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hardee blocked a punt by Bryan Anger and returned it for a touchdown in a 30–10 win. He was recognized as the National Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his accomplishment.[8]
Hardee finished the season making 10 combined tackles in 14 regular-season games and 2 post-season games.
In Week 4 against the New York Giants, in the first quarter on a fourth down, quarterback Taysom Hill threw a 10 yard pass to Hardee, where he made his first NFL career reception. This gave his team a first down in a drive ending in a field goal, in a Saints win. In Week 5, against the Washington Redskins, Hardee caught his first NFL career interception, a short pass thrown by quarterback Alex Smith that was returned for 77 yards.[9] This play ended at Washington's 4-yard line, setting up a quick drive for a Saints touchdown. He also made 2 pass deflections in the Saints' 43-19 win.
He finished the season playing in all 16 regular-season games and 2 post-season games, making 20 combined tackles, 1 reception, 2 passes deflected and 1 interception.[10]
Hardee played in all 16 regular-season games and the Saints' single postseason game, making a combined 11 tackles.[11]
On March 23, 2020, Hardee re-signed with the Saints.[12] He was placed on injured reserve on November 6 with a groin injury.[13] He was activated on December 12.[14] He finished the season participating in 10 regular-season games and 2 post-season games, making 8 combined tackles.[15]
Hardee signed a three-year, $5.25 million contract with the New York Jets on March 18, 2021.[16][17] He played in 16 regular-season games, making 12 combined tackles.[18]
In Week 4, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hardee forced a fumble on return specialist Gunner Olszewski in a Steelers' punt return at the start of the third quarter, which was recovered by James Pierre.[19] The Jets went on to win that game 24–20. He finished the season with 14 combined tackles and 1 forced fumble within 17 regular-season games.[20] Hardee was awarded his first Pro Bowl and NFLPA All-Pro selections for the special teams position after his performance during the 2022 season.[21]
On October 14, 2023, Hardee was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.[22] He was activated on December 2.[23] Hardee played 11 games during the 2023 season, making five total tackles on special teams.[24]
On April 2, 2024, Hardee signed with the Cleveland Browns.[25] He was released on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad.[26][27] He was released on September 10.[28]
On September 24, 2024, Hardee signed with the Carolina Panthers practice squad.[29] He was released on October 4.[30]
On October 29, 2024, Hardee was signed to the Tennessee Titans' practice squad.[31] He was promoted to the active roster on November 2.[32] He played nine games with the Titans, making three tackles on special teams.[33]
On April 1, 2025, Hardee re-signed with the Titans on a one-year contract.[34] He was released on April 18.[35]