The Carolina Panthers went through a number of changes this offseason and are coming into 2014 after playoffs success, but after Greg Hardy's domestic violence and guns issues, a trade could be possible in the future and the team gave themselves a great insurance plan in the NFL draft, as Kony Ealy was their second round pick out of Missouri.
The Panthers had one of the best defenses in the league last season and Hardy was one of the main reasons why and now his entire future could be in question after what happened. According to ESPN.com, Hardy was arrested last week on domestic violence charges after having an incident with 24-year-old Nicole Holder, described as his girlfriend and he allegedly shoved her onto a couch with multiple assault weapons and shotguns and he also dragged her around his apartment and she sustained bruises. A report cited a relationship with the rapper Nelly as what set off the incident between the two.
The Panthers and Hardy now have a tough situation, as his future could be in question with the team after the arrest. According to ESPN.com, Hardy handed over 10 guns to the police as part of his bond and now the team has some issues to worry about heading into offseason workouts. Hardy was set to make a ton of money down the line, as he was a key to the defense last season and was hit with the franchise tag, meaning he could make $13.1 million in 2014 and work on getting a more lucrative extension, but now all that could come into question after what happened.
Last season Hardy had a career year with 15 sacks and was the main cog in the defense and now he could be on his way out eventually. According to ESPN.com, Jerry Richardson the owner does not like behavior like this and he previously released Chris Terry during the 2002 after a similar violent incident. Hardy had issues back in college and the team felt that it was behind him, but now all that could come into question with his long term future.
The team picked Kony Ealy in the second round and now that is looking like a genius pick, as Hardy could have some issues going forward and he is a solid defensive end option. Last season he had eight sacks and in three seasons he had 12.5 sacks and 27 tackles for loss. Last season the Carolina Panthers got the quarterback more consistently than anyone else and they ranked sixth and second overall in passing and rushing yards allowed per game and made the playoffs.
