Report: Panthers expected to let Greg Hardy walk in free agency

The Carolina Panthers have decided to let defensive end Greg Hardy walk in free agency, according to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review.

Related: Panthers' Greg Hardy will seek immediate reinstatement into NFL

Hardy is still likely to face discipline from the NFL over his domestic violence case, and the Panthers are reportedly fed up with the situation. 

The Panthers used their franchise tag on Hardy last season and would receive a compensatory pick if and when he signs with another team. 

After a number of Hardy's teammates went to bat for him with management, and his Twitter account retweeted several messages from fans begging that he come back, it appeared that Hardy could return to the Panthers. But, according to Voth, "that slim possibility quickly cooled and eventually ended last week."

Hardy will be an intriguing option for a number of teams looking to upgrade their pass rush via free agency. At just 26, he's in the middle of his prime and could get a team friendly deal due to his legal troubles.