The Carolina Panthers are not likely to bring back Greg Hardy for 2015 and the defensive end may get some attention on the free agent market even if he is suspended by the league, as the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Falcons, Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts could be potential fits for the former Pro Bowl player.
Hardy played in just one game last season before being placed on the exempt list due to his legal case and now reports have him meeting with the league about discipline. According to the Charlotte Observer, Hardy is meeting with the NFL and he is hoping to be reinstated to the league. Adrian Peterson is in a similar situation and now both players may have things resolved soon. Free agency opens next week and Hardy could be a potential target for teams if the Panthers don't bring him back.
Hardy's domestic violence case had the charges dropped when the victim did not want to cooperate in the case after getting paid and that could pave the way for him to come back. Hardy likely will fce some sort of punishment, as the NFL likely will not look at the exempt list as time served. Last season Hardy had one sack in one game and that came after back to back seasons with double digit sacks.
Hardy had 11 sacks in 2012 and he had his best season in 2013 while making 15 sacks and 59 tackles. According to Black and Blue Review, general manager Dave Gettleman likely will not bring back Hardy and it comes after the team also decided to part ways with running back DeAngelo Williams. Hardy will be one of the top defensive players if he hits the market along with Jerry Hughes, who is not expected to sign back to the Bills.
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys could give Hardy a "shot", as Jerry Jones loves a redemption story and Hardy has shown that he is a quality defensive end. The Cowboys have needs on both sides of the ball and what they do in free agency likely will be dictated by what happens with Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. The Browns, Bills, Vikings and Jets all have money to spend and now that Buffalo has traded Kiko Alonso, the team could look at adding more on defense. Hughes is not likely to return and Hardy could be a target to take over. The Browns defense needs major upgrades, while the Oakland Raiders also could be in the mix for Hardy after they reportedly let go of LaMarr Woodley.
Last season the Cowboys defense was solid, but they did not do a great job getting pressure on the quarterback. The team was ranked 26th in the league in passing yards allowed per game and getting more pressure from the D-line should help their corners from allowing that many passing yards. The Cowboys have a tight cap situation and Hardy could come cheaper than usual depending on what happens between him and the NFL regarding his status.