Panthers Still Unsure If They’ll Franchise DE Greg Hardy

Panthers GM Dave Gettlemen was asked about their plans for impending free agent DE Greg Hardy.

According to Gettlemen, they are still unsure if they’ll use their franchise tag on Hardy in the coming weeks.

“We have to be very thoughtful in planning our cap,” Gettlemen said, per Jason La Canfora. Gettlemen added that “every team will use every tool in its bag” to retain their best players, although he also referenced the team’s cap issues as a potential impediment to keeping Hardy.

Hardy, 26, could be targeting a deal that would surpass the six-year, $78 million contract Panthers signed Charles Johnson to a few years ago. He totaled 59 tackles, 15 sacks, and a forced fumble for the Panthers last season. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 3 defensive end in a 4-3 system.

We have Hardy listed as the No. 2 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.