Agent: Greg Hardy drawing interest

ByAdam Schefter ESPN logo
Friday, March 13, 2015

Free-agent defensive end Greg Hardy has started negotiations with a team that does not want to be identified, and others are interested as well, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

At this point, Rosenhaus thinks Hardy will not only find a new team but also land a strong multiyear deal.

"It's a very positive situation," Rosenhaus said Friday morning. "While we're waiting to hear from the league, we're working through it, and it has been very encouraging."

Rosenhaus is uncertain when a deal will get done, but by now, he firmly believes it will happen. Rosenhaus made it sound as if it will be a longer and richer deal than some predicted.

There had been speculation Friday morning, especially on social media, that Hardy could be headed to theOakland Raiders. But the team has not discussed a deal with Hardy, a league source told ESPN's Bill Williamson ib Fridayafternoon.

Hardy became a free agent on Tuesday when the Panthers declined to re-sign him, and he is free to sign with any team, although he remains on the commissioner's exempt list.

Hardy faced domestic violence charges in 2014 and ended up costing the Carolina Panthers $13.1 million to play in only one game. The charges against Hardy were dropped Feb. 9, when his accuser, former girlfriend Nicole Holder,refused to cooperate with the district attorney's office after reaching a financial settlement with Hardy.

Hardy is seeking immediate reinstatement by the NFL, which is still mulling whether to suspend Hardy under the league's personal conduct code.

At least six teams reportedly have shown interest in Hardy.

Related Video