Defensive end Greg Hardy has signed his franchise tag tender with the Carolina Panthers, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday. Hardy, who said in January he'd have no issue if the team used the franchise tag to keep him, will make $13.1 million for one season if he doesn't sign a long-term extension. The Panthers have until July 15 to sign Hardy to a long-term deal. When the Panthers used the franchise tag on Hardy Friday, general manager Dave Gettleman said in a press release it was done so to buy more time to potentially work out a long-term extension with the former Mississippi star. More...