The Greg Hardy Experiment

[Manwiththeplan]

I agree on resigning Hardy, also I think Hardy wants to resign here. On Twitter he Retweets fan tweets that call for him to be resigned to a long term contract.

Of course he would, he wants long term money. Now that doesn't mean his preference isn't to be here, but it's like the Adrian Peterson saga, he went along with everything because he believed Dallas or really any new team would mean new money.

 

[xwalker]

I said earlier in the offseason that Greg Hardy would only be here one year if Lawrence and Gregory developed into what we think they can be.

I really don't believe that anymore. I think despite what you may think of Greg Hardy and what may have gone on off the field, the Kraken persona is going to quickly become the face of this defensive line and the face of this defense. I think he brings and attitude and energy to this defense that we didn't have with DeMarcus Ware.

I think when you combine him with Rolando McClain, they're going to establish a type of defense people don't necessarily expect from Dallas and would more readily expect it from the Ravens or the Steelers. I think combined with players like Sean Lee and Byron Jones, we're going to see an excellent defense. The combination of Hardy, Lawrence, and Gregory is going to be something very special and it's going to be special for a pretty long time.

I think you'll see Greg Hardy signed to a 3-5 year deal by the end of the season. I think that had McClain not gotten himself suspended, he would have been able to get a 5-6 year deal. It'll be interesting whether McClain's play and the overall performance of this defense moves the front office to even extend him at all at this point. I think he will be lucky to get a 1 year deal from the team depending on the development of Anthony Hitchens and his performance in the first four games of the year. It might not look like it, but they've built the future and the depth of the linebacker corps with Hitchens and Wilson, and maybe even Nzeocha (I expect him to be placed on IR) once he is healthy. I think this defense is well built, especially if Jones starts at free safety. I'd love to see us draft another corner high next year to replace Carr and or Claiborne.

It will be a difficult decision. He does seem to be that personality that the team has been lacking, especially on defense; however, if Lawrence and Gregory live up to their talent it will be hard to pay huge money to Hardy and plan on Gregory essentially being a backup for multiple years.

McClain is an easier decision. He will likely not get significant offers next year even if he has a good season this year. He just has too many years of being flaky. Also, his value is limited if he comes off the field in the Nickel which I anticipate happening as long as Lee is healthy. I think the Nickel will be Lee and Hitchens. That would leave McClain to play about only in the base defense which was 34% of the snaps last year.

I think Jones stays as CB.

 

[xwalker]

You must have missed the last year when the Panthers got an oh-so-reliable 1 game out of him despite paying him for a full healthy season. But don't worry, you can get a short encore this year when he isn't available for the first few weeks as a Cowboy. I think past performance is typically a good indicator of behavior. Aldon Smith waves hello from that train of thought.

Giving a massive contract to a guy who can't necessarily be counted on for the season (injuries not even factored in) is a tough sell. It's why Hardy is playing on a 1 year deal this year just like McClain. I'm sure the Cowboy fanbase would love for Hardy to suddenly turn into Ware off the field, but that's a big gamble to take. Jerry and Stephen have wisely avoided crazy contracts the last few years and I expect that strategy to continue.

Hardy has only been in trouble 1 time and even then it was never proven that he did anything wrong.

There is not comparison whatsoever to Aldon Smith. Smith has been in trouble countless times.

 

[theogt]

It will be a difficult decision. He does seem to be that personality that the team has been lacking, especially on defense; however, if Lawrence and Gregory live up to their talent it will be hard to pay huge money to Hardy and plan on Gregory essentially being a backup for multiple years.

McClain is an easier decision. He will likely not get significant offers next year even if he has a good season this year. He just has too many years of being flaky. Also, his value is limited if he comes off the field in the Nickel which I anticipate happening as long as Lee is healthy. I think the Nickel will be Lee and Hitchens. That would leave McClain to play about only in the base defense which was 34% of the snaps last year.

I think Jones stays as CB.

Fortunately, following the 2015 seasons, Lawrence will be cheap for another 2 years and Gregory another 3 years. For the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the defensive line would have only Hardy and Crawford on expensive contracts. I find it hard to worry too much about the 2018/2019 seasons at this point. By then, we'll be in the QB search mode and may not have a 20+ million per year QB contract burdening the salary cap.

 

[casmith07]

I said earlier in the offseason that Greg Hardy would only be here one year if Lawrence and Gregory developed into what we think they can be.

I really don't believe that anymore. I think despite what you may think of Greg Hardy and what may have gone on off the field, the Kraken persona is going to quickly become the face of this defensive line and the face of this defense. I think he brings and attitude and energy to this defense that we didn't have with DeMarcus Ware.

I think when you combine him with Rolando McClain, they're going to establish a type of defense people don't necessarily expect from Dallas and would more readily expect it from the Ravens or the Steelers. I think combined with players like Sean Lee and Byron Jones, we're going to see an excellent defense. The combination of Hardy, Lawrence, and Gregory is going to be something very special and it's going to be special for a pretty long time.

I think you'll see Greg Hardy signed to a 3-5 year deal by the end of the season. I think that had McClain not gotten himself suspended, he would have been able to get a 5-6 year deal. It'll be interesting whether McClain's play and the overall performance of this defense moves the front office to even extend him at all at this point. I think he will be lucky to get a 1 year deal from the team depending on the development of Anthony Hitchens and his performance in the first four games of the year. It might not look like it, but they've built the future and the depth of the linebacker corps with Hitchens and Wilson, and maybe even Nzeocha (I expect him to be placed on IR) once he is healthy. I think this defense is well built, especially if Jones starts at free safety. I'd love to see us draft another corner high next year to replace Carr and or Claiborne.

 

[casmith07]

You are correct about Hardy and we will draft a CB early next year no mattter the status of Mo or Carr.

We will draft a CB early next year because Mo and Carr will likely be gone, unless Mo shows something this year.

 

[Galian Beast]

It will be a difficult decision. He does seem to be that personality that the team has been lacking, especially on defense; however, if Lawrence and Gregory live up to their talent it will be hard to pay huge money to Hardy and plan on Gregory essentially being a backup for multiple years.

McClain is an easier decision. He will likely not get significant offers next year even if he has a good season this year. He just has too many years of being flaky. Also, his value is limited if he comes off the field in the Nickel which I anticipate happening as long as Lee is healthy. I think the Nickel will be Lee and Hitchens. That would leave McClain to play about only in the base defense which was 34% of the snaps last year.

I think Jones stays as CB.

I wouldn't look at Gregory as a backup even with Hardy and Lawrence there. There will be a rotation. The more that Gregory comes on the more we can use Hardy on the inside, or we can use Gregory as a strong side linebacker. A lot of things you can do when you have 3 premier rushers.

 

[xwalker]

Fortunately, following the 2015 seasons, Lawrence will be cheap for another 2 years and Gregory another 3 years. For the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the defensive line would have only Hardy and Crawford on expensive contracts. I find it hard to worry too much about the 2018/2019 seasons at this point. By then, we'll be in the QB search mode and may not have a 20+ million per year QB contract burdening the salary cap.

They can definitely do it if they really want to spend the money on Hardy.

One issue with cheap young QB in later seasons is that I've already used that to explain how they can keep all of their OLinemen long term.

In general, if a player that is signed to a big contract lives up to that contract, everything else normally works out OK.

 

[lkelly]

Never said anything about big guaranteed money. I think that was always out the window. A long term deal, I don't think was, but his actions this offseason make it a lot more difficult to give him that.

I think the most he is probably going to be able to get is 4-5 million per year and that is if he plays lights out for 12 games and the post season.

What agent is going to let his client agree to a long term deal without substantial guaranteed money? That's in essence a series of one year deals that the team can void at any time. It's a nearly worthless contract for the player because he gives up any leverage and the team maintains all of it. I'm not sure you can find one of those deals anywhere in the NFL.

McClain is almost certainly a 1 year rental again and always was. They will draft young linebackers like Damien Wilson and Hitchens and supplement with mid to low tier free agents that can provide depth.

 

[Rogah]

Hardy will go where the money is. He took less money this year than his talents dictate because of the off field uncertainty. He can't be franchised and it's clear he wants to be a UFA and able to shop for the highest bidder.

 

[Biggems]

I said earlier in the offseason that Greg Hardy would only be here one year if Lawrence and Gregory developed into what we think they can be.

I really don't believe that anymore. I think despite what you may think of Greg Hardy and what may have gone on off the field, the Kraken persona is going to quickly become the face of this defensive line and the face of this defense. I think he brings and attitude and energy to this defense that we didn't have with DeMarcus Ware.

I think when you combine him with Rolando McClain, they're going to establish a type of defense people don't necessarily expect from Dallas and would more readily expect it from the Ravens or the Steelers. I think combined with players like Sean Lee and Byron Jones, we're going to see an excellent defense. The combination of Hardy, Lawrence, and Gregory is going to be something very special and it's going to be special for a pretty long time.

I think you'll see Greg Hardy signed to a 3-5 year deal by the end of the season. I think that had McClain not gotten himself suspended, he would have been able to get a 5-6 year deal. It'll be interesting whether McClain's play and the overall performance of this defense moves the front office to even extend him at all at this point. I think he will be lucky to get a 1 year deal from the team depending on the development of Anthony Hitchens and his performance in the first four games of the year. It might not look like it, but they've built the future and the depth of the linebacker corps with Hitchens and Wilson, and maybe even Nzeocha (I expect him to be placed on IR) once he is healthy. I think this defense is well built, especially if Jones starts at free safety. I'd love to see us draft another corner high next year to replace Carr and or Claiborne.

So, what you are saying is Hardy will be this group's Charles Haley?

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

Rolando McClain would never see more than a 2 - 3 year deal from Dallas. I get the impression they are tolerating him for now. Don't think they want a guy with this many distractions in the locker room for an extended period. And for the record...I like the player....but when a guy misses games for things other than injuries....I question their focus

 

[speedkilz88]

We got to look at McClain as a work in progress.

 

[windjc]

You must have missed the last year when the Panthers got an oh-so-reliable 1 game out of him despite paying him for a full healthy season. But don't worry, you can get a short encore this year when he isn't available for the first few weeks as a Cowboy. I think past performance is typically a good indicator of behavior. Aldon Smith waves hello from that train of thought. Giving a massive contract to a guy who can't necessarily be counted on for the season (injuries not even factored in) is a tough sell. It's why Hardy is playing on a 1 year deal this year just like McClain. I'm sure the Cowboy fanbase would love for Hardy to suddenly turn into Ware off the field, but that's a big gamble to take. Jerry and Stephen have wisely avoided crazy contracts the last few years and I expect that strategy to continue.

Oh, so you mean his ONE court issue. Gotcha. I thought you had a real reason.

Aldon being an alcoholic is not an analogy by the way.

 

[lkelly]

Oh, so you mean his ONE court issue. Gotcha. I thought you had a real reason.

Aldon being an alcoholic is not an analogy by the way.

That pesky, trivial one court issue that has him on pace to miss 19 games and puts him as one of the poster children for the NFL's most visible crimes? I'm sure that doesn't come up in contract negotiations. I mean which team isn't looking for a guy with domestic violence and firearms on their resume? There has to be another explanation for the 1 year "prove it" deal that he signed with Dallas. Maybe it was concerns over his spending habits on face paint.

If you think this is a non-issue when it comes to contract negotiations then we'll just have to disagree. My stance is that he's viewed as a "wildcard" and thus the need to sign him to a short term deal with team protections. Jerry feels more comfortable signing Dez to a long term deal and that speaks volumes considering the amount of effort they have spent to keep him out of trouble and in meetings on time.

 

[Kaiser]

I wouldn't look at Gregory as a backup even with Hardy and Lawrence there. There will be a rotation. The more that Gregory comes on the more we can use Hardy on the inside, or we can use Gregory as a strong side linebacker. A lot of things you can do when you have 3 premier rushers.

That's exactly how I see it. Gregory would be something more than a backup but less than a 3 down starter. You can't have too many Corners or Pass Rushers - and even if you do, half the time injuries will work out the playing time anyway.

 

[Kaiser]

I mean which team isn't looking for a guy with domestic violence and firearms on their resume?

So people in Texas clutch their pearls and get the vapors over someone legally owning firearms? In a State that has more guns than citizens?

And Hardy doesn't have Domestic Violence on his record, the Aldon Smith comparison is this forum's equivalent of Godwin's Law.

 

[Floatyworm]

I said earlier in the offseason that Greg Hardy would only be here one year if Lawrence and Gregory developed into what we think they can be.

I really don't believe that anymore. I think despite what you may think of Greg Hardy and what may have gone on off the field, the Kraken persona is going to quickly become the face of this defensive line and the face of this defense. I think he brings and attitude and energy to this defense that we didn't have with DeMarcus Ware.

I think when you combine him with Rolando McClain, they're going to establish a type of defense people don't necessarily expect from Dallas and would more readily expect it from the Ravens or the Steelers. I think combined with players like Sean Lee and Byron Jones, we're going to see an excellent defense. The combination of Hardy, Lawrence, and Gregory is going to be something very special and it's going to be special for a pretty long time.

I think you'll see Greg Hardy signed to a 3-5 year deal by the end of the season. I think that had McClain not gotten himself suspended, he would have been able to get a 5-6 year deal. It'll be interesting whether McClain's play and the overall performance of this defense moves the front office to even extend him at all at this point. I think he will be lucky to get a 1 year deal from the team depending on the development of Anthony Hitchens and his performance in the first four games of the year. It might not look like it, but they've built the future and the depth of the linebacker corps with Hitchens and Wilson, and maybe even Nzeocha (I expect him to be placed on IR) once he is healthy. I think this defense is well built, especially if Jones starts at free safety. I'd love to see us draft another corner high next year to replace Carr and or Claiborne.

After watching todays scrimmage.....He's got alot of work to do. He looks fat. Wasn't impressed w/ his get offs. Maybe it's because he is veteran and is just coasting.....but I wasn't very impressed what so ever.

 

[fortdick]

. . . . the Kraken persona is going to quickly become the face of this defensive line and the face of this defense. . . . .

He ain't going to do it quickly because he will have to sit out the first quarter of the season.

 

[lkelly]

So people in Texas clutch their pearls and get the vapors over someone legally owning firearms? In a State that has more guns than citizens?

No, but NFL front offices do. especially when a significant other is thrown onto a bed full of them.

And Hardy doesn't have Domestic Violence on his record, the Aldon Smith comparison is this forum's equivalent of Godwin's Law.

It's on his NFL record. If you disagree, can you explain the 19 game suspension?

Amazing the blinders that fans can have.