NFL Oakland Raiders

Greg Hardy Would Be Perfect Fit for Oakland Raiders

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By @CressOnRaiders

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Let me preface this by saying that Greg Hardy’s off-field issues are not a reason for him being a perfect fit for the Oakland Raiders. This isn’t some trite remark about the stigma surrounding the Raiders and their abrasive fan base.

Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get into the real reason why Hardy would be a perfect fit for the Raiders, a team that has reportedly expressed serious interest in the troubled defensive end. While those reports have since been refuted, that doesn’t necessarily mean a deal couldn’t eventually be possible.

First and foremost, Hardy would provide the Raiders with a near-elite talent at a reduced price. Coming off a 2014 season during which Hardy spent almost the entire year on the commissioner exempt list following a domestic violence arrest, he’s going to have to accept a contract that doesn’t necessarily match his talent level. Plus, he’s still facing a potential suspension in 2015 from the league.

The Raiders obviously have the money to give him a worthwhile deal after missing out on many of their top free-agency targets. Especially since most teams will be looking to offer Hardy a one-year, “prove it” deal, Oakland might just be the best option from a financial standpoint.

As mentioned earlier, the Raiders would be getting a near-elite talent in return. Hardy, when not suspended, is one of the best pure pass rushers in the NFL. He has a relentless motor coming off the edge, and uses elite athleticism and bend to get after opposing quarterbacks. While Justin Tuck was a pleasant surprise last season, the Raiders could certainly use more speed off the edge.

More than anything, Hardy is the type of gamble that could pay huge dividends for the Raiders. They could use a roll of the dice considering their recent string of awful seasons and offseasons, and Hardy is the type of talent worth betting on.

If they put their faith in Hardy (assuming they feel comfortable that he’s headed down the right path) and he pans out, the Raiders came away with a huge bargain for a player who is sure to reward their trust in him. If he slips up, there’s bound to be language in his contract that gets Oakland off the hook easy.

While the rest of the NFL has understandably avoided Hardy and his troubled past, the Raiders may be willing to give the explosive end a second chance. Signing Hardy may just be the best move GM Reggie McKenzie ever made.

Calvin Cress is an Oakland Raiders writer for RantSports. Make sure to follow him on Twitter for more Raiders news and commentary.

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