Carolina Panthers and Greg Hardy looking for long-term deal before Week 1

Dec 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) acts as if he is eating while playing to the crowd of Panthers fans during the fourth quarteragainst the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers are have been talking to Greg Hardy and his agent about a possible long-term deal before Week 1 of the regular season.

Hardy is set to make just $1.35 million in the final year of his rookie contract. Last season he recorded 11 sacks and 61 tackles, which are great numbers for a defensive end.

Carolina Panthers new general manager Dave Gettleman has enough space to make sure Hardy remains a Panther for at least another five to six years depending on what he’s looking for. Hardy is a cornerstone for that defensive front in Carolina, so I’m sure he will get a max contract.

General manager Dave Gettleman was hired on with a team whose roster was $16 million over the cap and eventually tripped it down under $12 million. If the Panthers fail to sign the 25 year old sixth round draft pick to a long-term deal this season, they could franchise tag him next season.

The franchise tag for defensive ends will cause teams to cough up $11.2 million this season.

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