Cowboys trying to close deal with free-agent defensive end Hardy

IRVING, Texas — Contract talks have heated up between the Dallas Cowboys and controversial defensive end Greg Hardy, who is slated to visit the team’s Valley Ranch headquarters Tuesday, sources have confirmed.

Hardy, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Carolina Panthers, missed 15 games last season because of a domestic violence charge that him placed on the NFL Commissioner’s exempt list.

Hardy has also drawn interest from the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers among other teams. He is expected to visit the Seahawks if he doesn’t get a deal done with the Cowboys, who are the favorite to land him at this point.

The Cowboys had 28 sacks last season and are badly in need of pass rushing help. Hardy is a good fit for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s 4-3 scheme.

Hardy, 26, has 34 career sacks, including 15 in 2013 when he was named All-Pro.

What the Cowboys must come to grips with is that Hardy still faces possible suspension from the NFL for the domestic violence case and could miss between four to six games next season.

He remains on the exempt list as the NFL is conducting its own investigation into the incident that began last May when Hardy was arrested and charged with assaulting and threatening to kill ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder.

He was initially found guilty in July by a county judge in North Carolina. But Hardy then requested a jury trial, setting aside the initial verdict.

He played the first game of the 2014 season while awaiting trial before he was then placed on the exempt list.

The charges were dropped in February when Holder failed to show and refused to cooperate with the district attorney.

The Cowboys have done their own homework on Hardy and seemingly comfortable enough with the situation to want to sign him to the roster for 2015.

The question is at what price in terms of cost and public relations.

Considering that Hardy has drawn interest from other teams, it likely won’t be a bargain basement contract.