Oakland Raiders Free Agency: Quality over Quantity

Dec 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Hardy

The Oakland Raiders had a paltry 22 sacks in 2014 and quarterbacks carved their defense up. In 2013, his last full season, former Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy had 15 by himself.   Hardy played in only one game in 2014 due to being on the commissioner’s exempt list for domestic violence.

After originally being found guilty of domestic violence, Hardy appealed and was set for a retrial. But the accuser couldn’t be found so the charges were dropped on even though he’s still on the commissioner’s exempt list, he’s free to sign with an NFL team. Hardy missed all but one game last year and should be reinstated soon so he will have a market.

I don’t know if he really did what he was accused of but his conviction was overturned so it’s back to business. The Raiders need to go ahead a take a close look at him and bring him in if he checks out. Otherwise, he takes those 15 sacks to another team and may be using them on the Raiders.

Next: Defensive Tackle