NFL Free Agency rumors: Carolina Panthers may let Greg Hardy walk

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Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) on the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) on the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers are expected to make extending star quarterback Cam Newton one of their top priorities in the offseason, but they will still have plenty of other players that they will need to evaluate and discuss.

One of the players that the Panthers will need to focus on is impending free agent Greg Hardy, who will one of the top defensive ends on the open market.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, their current salary cap situation could force general manager Dave Gettleman to let Hardy walk.

“Everybody lets players go. There isn’t a team in this league that hasn’t let a big dog walk out the door. And don’t print that I’m saying that he’s going to go,” Gettleman said, via  Charlotte Observer. “I’m just making a statement. There isn’t anybody that hasn’t done that. It’s a whole big puzzle we’re putting together and he’s one of the pieces.”

In the past two seasons, Hardy has blossomed as a key member of the Panthers defense.

He has been a stout defender against the run and added 26 sacks.

If the Panthers were to let Hardy walk out the door in free agency, it would be a huge loss for the team and a big gain for the team that is able to scoop him up in free agency.