We MIGHT* be tagging Hardy *Zod is in denial

[Gabeking]

http://ow.ly/u2AgV

A league source said the team is preparing to use its franchise tag on defensive end Greg Hardy. The fourth-year player tied a team single-season record with 15 sacks in 2013. He would be one of the league’s most sought-after free agents if Carolina lets him hit the open market. The deadline for teams to tag one of their players is Monday at 4 p.m. ET.

Even though the Panthers have at least a couple dozen decisions to make – including finding a replacement for longtime left tackle Jordan Gross, who retired Wednesday – they need to make a final call on Hardy in the next few days.

During two media appearances – after the playoff loss to the 49ers and at the NFL Combine – general manager Dave Gettleman stressed the Panthers remain “cap challenged.” He was also non-committal about Hardy, who would command too much money for a long-term deal.

The estimated cost of a franchise tag for defensive ends in 2014 is between $12-$13 million. If the Panthers do tag Hardy, they will lose a big chunk of their cap space, but the organization believes he is too important to just let walk.

Owner Jerry Richardson has charged Gettleman to build a team that will post a winning record in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history, and keeping Hardy for 2014 would be a key piece to that plan.

[Zod]

I wouldn't put so much faith in this speculation

Sent from the Carolina Huddle App

[CBDellinger]

Voth is killing it as of late!

[CatMan72]

Good! Voth has very good sources. Sent from my SM-N900V using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

[MV%doe]

tag is the best solution, panthers still hold power.

[Jangler]

This might also mean they are working a deal with SS too. 

[Gabeking]

I wouldn't put so much faith in this speculation

Sent from the Carolina Huddle App

Terrell Mcclain really tore it up in Hawaii this year huh?

[beastson]

Then we going to unexpectedly trade on draft day

[rayzor]

is this official or speculation based on hearsay?

[top dawg]

Hallelujah!

[top dawg]

Now contact the Raiders!

[therealmjl]

If true, I'm pleased with this.

[philp]

pie for that pic!

[CBDellinger]

Gettleman would have been insane not to tag him.