Who Is The NFL Mystery Team Courting Greg Hardy?
By Erik Lambert
Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
One of the more surprising NFL free agency odysseys is that of defensive end Greg Hardy. Many thought he wouldn’t garner much attention after nearly landing in jail for domestic violence charges. However, after seeing those dimissed it seems the interest in the Pro Bowl pass rusher has picked up.
"“Free-agent defensive end Greg Hardy has started negotiations with a team that does not want to be identified, and others are interested as well, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.”"
After a time it looked like the Oakland Raiders had emerged as the favorite to sign him, putting his talents across from their emerging star Khalil Mack. Since then though word has emerged that another “unnamed” team is in negotiations with him. Fans always love a good mystery. So who could this shady franchise be?
#3: Dallas Cowboys
Doesn’t this move just reek of Jerry Jones? He’s never been afraid of the big move that shocks everybody. It’s a proven money-maker from a PR point of view, which was why he was heavy on drafting Johnny Manziel last year. Hardy would certainly qualify.
More than that though he would fill a major need for the Cowboys defense. Their defensive end position is light on talent with only Demarcus Lawrence being projected as a surefire starter. Adding Hardy across from him would be a boon from “America’s Team” as they seek to take the next step in their hunt for a sixth Lombardi trophy.
#2: Chicago Bears
Pernell McPhee was a quality signing for the Chicago Bears but he’s not nearly as proven a pass rusher as Hardy is. Besides that, they have an inside connection to the 26-year old that other teams don’t have.
That would be head coach John Fox.
It was he who helped the Carolina Panthers draft Hardy in the 6th round back in 2010. There is familiarity there and by all accounts a mutual affection. If the Bears can make the money work a Hardy-McPhee pairing would make a heck of a building block for their new defense.
#1: Cincinnati Bengals
No franchise has showed a greater willingness to sign players with questionable backgrounds more than the Cincinnati Bengals. They proved that with Cedric Benson, Adam Jones and Vontaze Burfict just to name a few. Why would Greg Hardy scare them away?
Then there is the matter of money and need. Cincinnati still has over $24 million in cap space, more than enough to make a splash signing if they wish. On top of that, finding a pass rushing defensive end remains a top priority after the way their season ended in January. Hardy would make for an ideal solution.