San Francisco 49ers showing some interest in Greg Hardy
The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly been expressing some interest in free agent defensive end Greg Hardy.
With the NFL‘s free agency set to become official as of 4:00 PM EST today, teams are gearing up to start making significant moves toward rebuilding, and for some, title contention. Both goals can be said in some part for the San Francisco 49ers, who missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2010. According to Yahoo reporter Charles Robinson via Twitter, one of the pieces that could be in play for the Bay area team is free agent defensive end Greg Hardy.
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The 26 year old Hardy missed 15 games last season after off the field issues cost him both his public image and standing with his would be previous team, the Carolina Panthers.
A domestic abuse charge, levied by his ex girlfriend Nicole Holder, led to Hardy accepting a spot on the league’s exempt list back on September 17th after playing in week one against the Detroit Lions. The charges against him were dropped on February 9th, following Holder’s failure to show up in court.
His pass rushing ability is well documented across the league. During the 2012 and 2013 NFL seasons, Hardy recorded 26 sacks in just 23 games started. He was a crucial part of the Panthers’ 12-4 2013 campaign, along with linebacker Luke Kuechly.
The Atlanta Falcons were the latest team to take their hat out of the Greg Hardy race.
The 49ers, however, might be forced to seriously consider such a signing, especially when faced with losing several key players on both sides of the ball, including seven time pro bowler, and five time all-pro linebacker selection Patrick Willis to retirement.
Jim Tomsula, the team’s new head and former defensive line coach, could work wonders with a guy as talented as Hardy. The only issues will, of course, be how the media perceives such a signing (should it occur), and if he can keep his personal affairs in check.
H/T Charles Robinson via Twitter.
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