Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy has likely played his last snap for the team, according to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer.
Hardy, a former sixth round pick, recorded a combined 26 sacks over the 2012 and 2013 seasons, the latter of which he was named to the Pro Bowl. He was set to play out this past season on a one-year deal that would pay him just north of $13 million. However, he was convicted of domestic assault over the summer and only appeared in one game this season before being placed of the NFL's exempt list. While he collected his full salary, he did not play a single snap after Week 1.
"Carolina's biggest unrestricted free agent who played one game in a season where he was paid $13.1 million, Hardy has likely played his final game for the Panthers," Jones wrote. "Carolina is not expected to sign him to a long-term deal this offseason no matter the outcome of his domestic violence jury trial, which could start as early as Feb. 9 when the district attorney's domestic violence team is next on the docket."
Hardy cleaned out his locker after Carolina's loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday and left a cryptic message for his teammates on a locker room white board.
"I LOVE YOU GUYS ALL J.P. [just playing] GET KRAKEN," Hardy apparently wrote on the white board. "(but mostly [illegible] the Run N Backs & Monster Inc. & the Big Mexicano)."
Hardy barely visited the team's facilities while on the commissioner's exempt list. His first known visit cam in early December shortly before the team left for the airport to travel to New Orleans.
Head coach Ron Rivera said that Hardy had been training during his time off.
Panthers cornerback Josh Norman said he hoped that would not be the last time Hardy was in Carolina's locker room.
"A guy of that caliber, man, we need that," Norman said. "Hands down, I would welcome that and relish the chance to play with that guy again."
Norman acknowledged Hardy's troubling actions but still gave him his vote of confidence.
"Either way, I want the man back," Norman said. "I want G. Hardy, the Kraken, back in this locker room.
"I definitely do understand the ramifications of what's being brought up against him, what's going on. But I also do know Greg is a gentle giant outside of football. Most people, they see all the extra stuff that Greg (does_ on the field. But I know the guy personally...and he's one of the few good men I can honestly say I'm proud to be a teammate of his."
