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On Wednesday, Pro Football Focus broke the news that troubled ex-Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy has signed a one-year, $11.3 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas gave DE Greg Hardy a one-year, $11.3 million deal that could be worth up to $13.116 million.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2015
ESPN's Adam Schefter took to Twitter to break down the contract, pointing out that the deal has a base salary of $745,000 with around $11 million in bonuses. The contract also has over $1.8 million dollars in incentives, all of which can be met if Hardy tallies 14 or more sacks in 2015, giving his deal a maximum possible salary of up to $13.116 million. Another stipulation of the deal is that the Cowboys are not allowed to use the franchise or transition tag on Hardy in 2015, meaning he will become a free agent in 2016 unless a new deal is worked out in Dallas under both parties consent.
Hardy, 26, was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL draft out of Ole Miss by the Carolina Panthers. The fifth-year player had a total of 120 tackles, 26.0 sacks and three forced fumbles from 2012 to 2013, being named to the Pro Bowl in the latter year.
He only played in one game in the 2014 season as he was placed on the exempt/commissioners permission list by Carolina after he threatened and assaulted his ex-girlfriend. That and other character concerns make this deal a risky one on the Cowboys part. While Hardy has clearly been one of the best, most productive defense ends in the league when he is playing, his off the field issues make him a distraction and a risk for teams.
Joel Corry, a former NFL agent, told Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, "Hardy's going to get more of the benefit of the doubt just because he's a Pro Bowl-caliber player in his prime. So that's going to tip the scales for some owners that (think), I know you've got some issues, but this guy can really play. If he couldn't really play, he might be out of the league."
This deal can only be categorized as an excellent on-the-field move, but a terrible off-the-field one. However, if Hardy can stay healthy, remain out of trouble and be as dominant as he was in 2013, he will be in for a massive pay day in 2016.
Regardless of the outcome, it will sure be interesting to see how things work out for Hardy in Dallas.
