Defensive end Greg Hardy wasted no time signing the one-year franchise tender from the Carolina Panthers, who officially applied the restrictive tag to retain the free agent Monday.
The tender for defensive ends is $13.116 million, but Hardy and management appear to be on the same page in the sense that each side is focused on getting a long-term deal in place. The deadline for signing franchise players to a long-term contract is July 15.
“We are very pleased that Greg will be back with the Panthers next season,” head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement released by the team. “He was a big reason we were able to lead the league in sacks last year and keeps our defensive line intact.”
Hardy, 25, had 15 sacks in 2013 and 11 in 2012. Of the four players designated franchise players before Monday’s deadline, Hardy could be the only one moving toward an extended stay with the team that tagged him.
Last season, when eight players were franchised, only Denver Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady received a long-term contract.
“The franchise mechanism gives us time to secure the services of a very good player while we continue to look at the future of Greg with the Carolina Panthers,” general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement. “We have had great dialogue with both Greg and his agent. It was important to keep our defensive front together.”