Greg Hardy: Cowboys "open minded"

[LatinMind]

I think it's possible for us to look at setting up something that offers him 8 or 9 for a year and then escalate depending on production. I agree that he is going to make money but maybe not this year. We could also offer him an out in, say year 3, to be able to test the market again. That would allow for us to sign him and keep him for a Romo run, while at the same time, provide time to evaluate him further and see if he is worth signing for more years. Would also give time to draft and develop other Edge Rushers.

I don't know if any of this flies but it's certainly worth discussing IMO.

Dont think a 3 yr deal will work for him. He's going to be 27 in july. So he would be a FA at 30 yrs old. This is his last big contract. Think he'd probably want a team willing to give him atleast a 5 yr deal.

 

[Idgit]

If the same girl had made the same accusation against Dez, most of this forum would be demanding that she be deported. To Iran.

I was toying with comparing a young Hardy on defense with a young Dez on offense in terms of what would be required of the front office to keep these talented young players in line. I didn't go there mostly because the DV issue, if it's true, is not the same order of problem (I know, Dez hit his mom with a hat) and I didn't want to conflate the two players' histories as that's unfair to Dez. But, in terms of the headache factor and the mentoring that's probably required, I'm not sure the situation would be all that different if Hardy were interested in a very well-paying prove-it deal with off-the-field requirements attached.

He might not be, though, if the Bengals or the Raiders are willing to offer more, with no requirements.

 

[dogberry]

If the transcripts belong to Hardy, how will the NFL get them?

If they don't have the transcripts, what evidence will the League have to rule against Hardy?

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Dont think a 3 yr deal will work for him. He's going to be 27 in july. So he would be a FA at 30 yrs old. This is his last big contract. Think he;s probably want a team willing to give him atleast a 5 yr deal.

Not really saying sign him to a 3 year deal. I'm actually saying that we could sign him to a longer term deal but offer him an early out in year 3. Here is the thing that is hard to figure. We don't know what other teams might consider offering him. I mean, it's a given that if a team comes in and offers him a top end contract, we probably wont do that. But there is no way to really tell if that's what he will demand. It's well worth the effort to see what he might be open to IMO.

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

This guy is my #1 target (after Dez). 15-sack, strong run defending, 3-down 4-3 DE's simply do not hit the market that often. He only is because of the DV. Sign him to a long term deal with little guaranteed money and a morals clause that allows us to get out of the deal if he re-offends. IMO, so much better than projecting a pass rusher from the college ranks at #27...

 

[LatinMind]

Not really saying sign him to a 3 year deal. I'm actually saying that we could sign him to a longer term deal but offer him an early out in year 3. Here is the thing that is hard to figure. We don't know what other teams might consider offering him. I mean, it's a given that if a team comes in and offers him a top end contract, we probably wont do that. But there is no way to really tell if that's what he will demand. It's well worth the effort to see what he might be open to IMO.

ahh.
I think if he gets reinstated without suspension he is going to get a big deal. If the NFL makes an example out of him and gives him a suspension Dallas would have a chance at one of them types of deals youre talking about. So we will soon see.

 

[AzorAhai]

Not really saying sign him to a 3 year deal. I'm actually saying that we could sign him to a longer term deal but offer him an early out in year 3. Here is the thing that is hard to figure. We don't know what other teams might consider offering him. I mean, it's a given that if a team comes in and offers him a top end contract, we probably wont do that. But there is no way to really tell if that's what he will demand. It's well worth the effort to see what he might be open to IMO.

A 5 year deal 10-12m annually with 20-25 guaranteed, escalators for being on the roster starting year 3 with an opt out after year 3 to seek another deal sounds about right to me.

 

[Kaiser]

I was toying with comparing a young Hardy on defense with a young Dez on offense in terms of what would be required of the front office to keep these talented young players in line. I didn't go there mostly because the DV issue, if it's true, is not the same order of problem (I know, Dez hit his mom with a hat) and I didn't want to conflate the two players' histories as that's unfair to Dez. But, in terms of the headache factor and the mentoring that's probably required, I'm not sure the situation would be all that different if Hardy were interested in a very well-paying prove-it deal with off-the-field requirements attached.

He might not be, though, if the Bengals or the Raiders are willing to offer more, with no requirements.

Agree, and I'm not trying to demean Dez in any way. Its just a comment on human nature and fandom. If the statement is made about a Cowboy, its a vicious lie. If its made about an opponent, the player must be a thug. Some people react first and then gather information to support a preset conclusion.

 

[lqmac1]

That's what makes Hardy so tempting. Add him to Lawrence and Crawford and a first/second round DT and we've pretty much instantly got a solid young core of players to build off of. With him and Lee coming back, too, you have two legitimate playmakers on a defense that's been absolutely bereft of skilled football players for way too long. Maybe include R. McClain in that group for good measure if you're feeling generous. It goes a long way to addressing our limitations.

I agree 100%! And let's pray Rod turns Claiborne into an actual first round corner. Our defense would be scary good, like top-five good!

 

[dogunwo]

Might sound good, but i just dont see the team going this route. If the NFL rules that they wont suspend him, there is going to be a bidding war for him. Could see a team like the Jags putting in a big bid for him, Getting him in Fa and a player like Leonard Williams in the draft. They have the cap to get this done.

Doesn't mean that he is willing to go there. Hardy was on a contending team. If the money is less, but close, why not pay for a team that is already closer to Super bowl contention?

 

[Nightman]

I expect Goodell to suspend him for at least 2 games based on the old policy, using his conviction from the bench trial. It would completely baseless but the League is digging in their heels on the DV issue(pun intended).

I would still sign him to a 4-5/40-60m deal. He is exactly what this team needs.

 

[Echo9]

We could have Josh Brent drive them around.

/bad joke

As long as Dez doesn't yank them out of the car.

/making a bad joke worse.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If the transcripts belong to Hardy, how will the NFL get them?

If they don't have the transcripts, what evidence will the League have to rule against Hardy?

The issue that the NFL is running into from my understanding is not Hardy and his attorney's not cooperating. If he were doing that by refusing to turn over evidence then i can understand them being very punitive. Ray Rice cooperated whereas noncooperation merits a harsher punishment. Leading up to the trial, they were not cooperating with the prosecutor in giving him the transcript but that is a different relationship than your employer. The judge finally ordered Hardy to give up the transcript.

It's the state that is giving the NFL problems. They cannot locate the photos from the ER that night or any of the other evidences. The court is saying they gave it to the prosecutor and they are saying they don't have it. It was a misdemeanor bench trial so they likely have a policy of not holding onto that stuff overly long. There is a lot to speculate on in that.

 

[burmafrd]

The issue that the NFL is running into from my understanding is not Hardy and his attorney's not cooperating. If he were doing that by refusing to turn over evidence then i can understand them being very punitive. Ray Rice cooperated whereas noncooperation merits a harsher punishment. Leading up to the trial, they were not cooperating with the prosecutor in giving him the transcript but that is a different relationship than your employer. The judge finally ordered Hardy to give up the transcript.

It's the state that is giving the NFL problems. They cannot locate the photos from the ER that night or any of the other evidences. The court is saying they gave it to the prosecutor and they are saying they don't have it. It was a misdemeanor bench trial so they likely have a policy of not holding onto that stuff overly long. There is a lot to speculate on in that.

not holding onto evidence on such a high profile case? sure.....

 

[ConstantReboot]

Might sound good, but i just dont see the team going this route. If the NFL rules that they wont suspend him, there is going to be a bidding war for him. Could see a team like the Jags putting in a big bid for him, Getting him in Fa and a player like Leonard Williams in the draft. They have the cap to get this done.

Yeah but does Hardy want to play for the Jags? Hardy already made his millions and possibly wants to play for a chance to win a title. Jags are a long, long way from making it to the big dance and not really as attractive as a destination as Dallas. We might not out bid other teams based on money, but Cowboys as a franchise is a much more attractive place to go than the Jags.

 

[TheDude]

I know he's got that rep. Putting aside the gray area of the DV case that was dismissed....are there any other specific incidents that make him a headcase? It sure seems like his teammates and coaches like him.

I know Im going to regret this... I am pretty sure this is public.
He was not well liked by coaches (esp Ogeron) at Miss. He was nicknamed "Hardy Time", that was for being consistently late for meetings and taking plays/games off. He had a monster game against Fl (sacked Tebow mx times and had a few other tackle for loss) made an SI cover and then got benched.

He apparently doesn't interview well and take responsibility on the "late" question. He was also asked about being bipolar at the draft combine interviews by NFL FOs. Some believe he had a monster 2013 because it was a contract year.

I do know a guy in Carolina FO, he liked him the little he knew of him. But apparently wasn't well liked by the top-top brass there - but they don't like people who really market themselves in non-traditional ways. It seemed like things turned a corner w/ Rivera. Loved by teammates and coaches there.

 

[TheDude]

If the transcripts belong to Hardy, how will the NFL get them?

If they don't have the transcripts, what evidence will the League have to rule against Hardy?

I don't think the NFL will be able to do anything to him..and they shouldnt. slippery slope if you suspend a guy who isn't charged with anything.

 

[speedkilz88]

I know Im going to regret this... I am pretty sure this is public.
He was not well liked by coaches (esp Ogeron) at Miss. He was nicknamed "Hardy Time", that was for being consistently late for meetings and taking plays/games off. He had a monster game against Fl (sacked Tebow mx times and had a few other tackle for loss) made an SI cover and then got benched.

He apparently doesn't interview well and take responsibility on the "late" question. He was also asked about being bipolar at the draft combine interviews by NFL FOs. Some believe he had a monster 2013 because it was a contract year.

I do know a guy in Carolina FO, he liked him the little he knew of him. But apparently wasn't well liked by the top-top brass there - but they don't like people who really market themselves in non-traditional ways. It seemed like things turned a corner w/ Rivera. Loved by teammates and coaches there.

His sack totals went up each year. 3, 4, 11, 15... that's called progression.

 

[ConstantReboot]

No, that's the only one I've heard of but it's a biggie. Beating up his girlfriend, threatening to shoot her and proceeding to prove how serious he is by throwing her on a pile of automatic weapons. Nice. I dunno, maybe I'm overreacting. If this is the only incident and there is some debate over how much is actually true and he's a great locker room guy, then maybe.

That was her story not his. He called 911 on her and reported her beating him up. That was her statement during the court case. However, she wasn't given the burden of proof that this ever happened. She stated that he almost beat her to death. Yet there was hardly a scratch on her. Hardy is a big man. If he wanted to kill her at that time there was have been some serious black and blue on her. She came away almost without a scratch.

 

[Idgit]

I know Im going to regret this... I am pretty sure this is public.
He was not well liked by coaches (esp Ogeron) at Miss. He was nicknamed "Hardy Time", that was for being consistently late for meetings and taking plays/games off. He had a monster game against Fl (sacked Tebow mx times and had a few other tackle for loss) made an SI cover and then got benched.

He apparently doesn't interview well and take responsibility on the "late" question. He was also asked about being bipolar at the draft combine interviews by NFL FOs. Some believe he had a monster 2013 because it was a contract year.

I do know a guy in Carolina FO, he liked him the little he knew of him. But apparently wasn't well liked by the top-top brass there - but they don't like people who really market themselves in non-traditional ways. It seemed like things turned a corner w/ Rivera. Loved by teammates and coaches there.

That's great info.

It's in keeping with what what's-his-face was saying on On Air about Hardy being a giant knucklehead in college. Then again, he did elect to come back for another season at Ole Miss when he could have gone pro, which is in keeping with what his teammates seem to think of the guy.

I think I'd like to see them try to bring him in on a deal sort of like Melton's from last year, except where the team fronts the risk for the year one contract. Then put a giant balloon out there for another year or two and see what happens. Basically, pay him a lot of money for one year and use the time to see if you can trust him for a longer deal. Might be able to beat any longer-term deal another team would otherwise pony up for a guy with his reputation that way, and if he craps out, you're only out what you had to front for one season in return for a top DE. And it buys some time to develop Lawrence and a rookie DL from the coming draft.