One of the Cowboys' main priorities this offseason has been buffering up their defensive line and it seems as if they are the frontrunners to land former Carolina Panthers defensive lineman, Greg Hardy.
The Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett has made it a point about adding the 'right' type of players and Greg Hardy doesn't exactly fit that mold with his recently dismissed domestic violence allegations. At the same time Hardy is more about being the right price rather than the right type of player Jason Garrett has preached over the past year.
The Cowboys currently sit $8 million under the salary cap and could potentially free up another $15 million if they're able to successfuly restructure defensive back Brandon Carr's contract and sign Dez Bryant, who was recently franchised to a long-term deal.
There's no question that Greg Hardy, still in his prime, would come at a below market value price for being one of the league's top pass rushers over the last couple seasons.
It would also give the Cowboys flexibility in the draft by addressing their other offseason priority, upgrade at cornerback. The Cowboys could select a cornerback in the first round or if a running back such as Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon drops to the 27th pick then Dallas would have little hesistation in picking up one of the young stud running backs in perhaps the deepest draft for tailbacks since the 2008 draft.
The Cowboys are currently considered the frontrunners for Hardy's services and Stephen Jones has made it an emphasis to not allow Hardy leave Dallas without signing a contract. Hardy spent most of the day Tuesday, March 17, at Valley Ranch meeting with various coaches and is remaining in Dallas until Wednesday with a possible revisit in the morning. This could involve a physical if negotiations get to that point.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahwaks were also reportedly interested in Hardy, but as of Tuesday evening, they have no official visits lined up with the former Pro Bowler.
The NFL could deliver a four or six game suspension on Hardy in the upcoming days, but the Cowboys are aware of that, and make no question about it, they're using that to their advantage in contract negotiations.
The Cowboys hope that Hardy could change his reputation and keep out of trouble off the field much like Rolando McClain was able to do this past season. If so, then Hardy will fit a big need on Dallas' defensive line in hopes of a Super Bowl run in 2015.