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The Buccaneers Need to Avoid Greg Hardy

By Justin Schmick

Dec 27, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Greg hardy is bound to be a tempting free agent pick up for the upcoming 2016 season,  but would it be wise for the Buccaneers to consider adding him to their roster?

The 2015 season is now in the books, and teams are looking towards the 2016 season. The Buccaneers had a mediocre season, winning only six games. Being nearly $50 million under the salary cap, the Bucs may look to make a big move in the 2016 free agent market. On offense, it is no secret that re-signing Doug Martin is the Bucs’ top priority. On the defensive side the ball, there are several positions that need be addressed, including the defensive end position.

The Bucs ranked towards the bottom of the NFL accumulating only 27 sacks as a team. For the 2016 season, however, the team will have to figure out a way to improve that stat. A defensive end who can rush the passer, stop the run, and occasionally cover a running back would be exactly what the Bucs need. A player they may be tempted to fill this role with, and is available at a discounted price is Greg Hardy.

Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

After a heavily publicized 2014 arrest for his role in a domestic violence incident which resulted in his participating in only a single game of the 2014 season, Hardy was signed by the Dallas Cowboys on April 18th, 2015 for a one-year deal worth $11.3 million. Four days later on April 22nd, Hardy was suspended for the first ten games of the 2015 season (later reduced to four).

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Overall, 2015 was a lost season for the Dallas Cowboys, who also suffered the loss of their starting quarterback Tony Romo. Hardy ended up delivering a modest but productive season. In twelve games he had six sacks and showed some of the qualities that made him a dominant defender in the 2013 season.

Unfortunately his play on the field was rarely discussed by fans or members of the media. On November 5th 2015 Deadspin released police photos of his ex-girlfriend’s injuries stemming from the incident Hardy was involved in. On the field Hardy was often shown screaming at teammates, fans and coaches.

Not quite the actions of a man intending on or caring about working well with his team.

Next: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Bucs Take a Pass Rusher

The abilities and talent of Greg Hardy can’t be denied, and teams may be tempted to sign him. Unfortunately, Hardy brings a lot of negative baggage to the table. He proved himself to be a cancer in his time with the Dallas Cowboys, and even at a discounted price, it would be extremely risky for the Bucs or any other team in the NFL to sign him to a contract.

Stats by NFL.com

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