There isn't much worry about that type of protection....when guys are suspended, they don't get paid. The team then applies to also get a portion of the signing bonus back.
The front office has been very diligent and very careful with this new process and watching the cap. I'm not worried about his contract. I believe the Cowboys will do a deal that is fair, but doesn't hamstring us.
Fans, on the other hand, need to be prepared to celebrate QB pressures. Hardy had 13 sacks and 11 sacks while playing on what was a very good defense. We may see 8-12 sacks. This guy is a self-made man, not a blue-chip draft choice like Mario Williams. He instantly upgrades our pass rush, but fans shouldn't expect 12-15 sacks and a pro bowl birth, necessarily. Ideally, he'll get some of the heavy attention ala Charles Haley in years when he didn't get double digit sacks, but the pressures and opening it up for other guys is invaluable.