NFL Rumors: Dallas Cowboys & New England Patriots Interested in Free Agent Greg Hardy
What an NFL offseason it has been so far. Ever since Tuesday, March 10, teams across the league have been in bidding wars trying to get the best players at each position to enhance their roster. Trades are going underway across the league as well. Just ask the Philadelphia Eagles front office.
With Ndamukong Suh in South beach on a $60 million guaranteed contract, and Darrelle Revis rejoining the New York Jets, many fans firmly believe that Greg Hardy is the best available NFL free agent.
According to multiple reports, the Dallas Cowboys are currently "negotiating" with defensive end Greg Hardy. Hardy would be a terrific addition to the Cowboys roster. The Cowboys let running back DeMarco Murray walk as a free agent, and they have some money to spend this offseason. In uncharacteristic Cowboys form, owner and general manager Jerry Jones hasn't been breaking the bank in recently on free agents and high profile names.
Last season the Cowboys pass defense ranked 26th overall. Obviously Hardy isn't going to play safety or corner, but for anyone who knows football, you know that pass rush is a must for stopping opposing quarterbacks. Last season the Cowboys recorded just 28 sacks, the fifth fewest in the entire league, and second fewest in the NFC behind only the Atlanta Falcons.
DeMarcus Ware is one of the best defenders in Cowboys franchise history, but his departure to the Denver Broncos last year does leave a gap for America's Team. Hardy, still just 26 years old, could be the guy to replace Ware on the edge and get pressure on quarterbacks that this team needs so much.
Now, there is something important to remember here. Even though Hardy missed 15 games last year with the Carolina Panthers because of his domestic abuse conviction, he may still miss the first six games of next season.
Despite being drafted in the sixth round in 2010, Hardy has been a terrific player in the NFL. He has recorded 27 sacks in his last 25 games that he has started. His 15 sacks in 2013 are a Panthers franchise record. Hardy most likely won't get top dollar because of his off the field status, but he can certainly help a team on it.
Over in the AFC, New England Patriots have shown interest in Hardy as well.
Rumors have been floating around that the Super Bowl champions could be a destination spot for Hardy. The Patriots have lost a lot of talent and leadership this offseason. Vince Wilfork is now with the Houston Texans, Revis is with the Jets, and Brandon Browner left to join the New Orleans Saints. The Patriots know they have to make defensive additions and adjustments before next season begins.
Without their two best corners from last season, the Patriots can't rely on their secondary nearly as much as before. The Patriots will have to rely on getting pressure to the quarterback from the outside, and Hardy could be their guy.
It has also been learned that the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers are no longer pursuing Hardy.
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