Greg Hardy, Carolina Panthers discussing long-term deal

Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy, coming off a two season stretch in which he has amassed 26 sacks, wants a long-term deal. The Panthers still have a few days before they have to decide whether or not to place the franchise tag on the 25-year-old Hardy, and it sounds like the two sides are trying to get a deal done before then.

According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer:

"The Panthers met recently with Drew Rosenhaus, Hardy’s agent, and the two sides have had ongoing negotiations, according to two league sources. Hardy is looking for a contract commensurate with his place among the league’s best pass rushers after totaling 26 sacks over the past two seasons.”"

Hardy has said that he wants a big pay day, and the Panthers have moved some money around to possibly work something out. But if they don’t, the franchise tag will be in play:

"The moves left the Panthers about $21 million below the cap – if it’s set at $132 million – and might be a precursor to tagging Hardy.”"

Edge pass rushers are among the most sought after pieces in the NFL, so Hardy would get a pile of money if ever he was allowed to hit free agency, especially at such a young age. For now, the Panthers have to see if they can work out a long-term deal now or if they will have to apply the dreaded franchise tag to keep him.