The Carolina Panthers have placed the franchise tag on Greg Hardy.

"We have had great dialogue with both Greg and his agent (Drew Rosenhaus)," said general manager Dave Gettleman.

Hardy has become one of the NFL's most productive pass rushers.

Greg Hardy and the Carolina Panthers are in discussions on a long-term deal.

Hardy said during the week of the Super Bowl that he would be looking for a "crapload of money" after becoming one of the NFL's best pass rushers. Hardy had 26 sacks over the past two seasons.

The Panthers are "cap-strapped" but signing Hardy to a deal is a clear priority due to his value on defense.

Jordan Gross will retire from the NFL after 11 seasons.

Gross spent his entire career with the Carolina Panthers, reaching three Pro Bowls.

Gross was a Pro Bowler in 2013 and was ranked by Pro Football Focus as the third best tackle in the NFL last season.

The Panthers will almost certainly find the new protector of Cam Newton's blindside in the draft.

Cam Newton has no plans on holding out to put pressure on the Carolina Panthers to sign him to a long-term deal.

Patrick Peterson said he wouldn't rule out a holdout, but Newton believes he's in a different situation.

“I think our positions are completely different,” Newton said of Peterson. “Being the leader of this team, I don’t think that would be a good look for me. Not taking anything away from Patrick, he’s an unbelievable player, and an elite corner in the league. But there’s some things cornerbacks can do that quarterbacks can’t.

“I’m not worried about contract discussions right now. My main focus is just becoming the better player I can become."

The Panthers went 12-4 last season and Newton wants to take a next step in his play and not worry about his contract.

“I don’t think that’s my main focus right now.,” Newton said of contractual matters. “My main focus is trying to become a better player. I think Russell Wilson put a lot of pressure on young quarterbacks, but needless to say, we don’t have that fallback answer no more. We’re no longer young quarterbacks.

“Going into my fourth year, I want to make that leap, make that stride to be a marquee quarterback in this league.”

The Las Vegas Hilton has posted its early odds for Super Bowl XLIX, which will take place in Arizona in 2015.

Seahawks 6/1
Broncos 6/1
49ers 7/1
Patriots 12/1
Packers 15/1
Saints 15/1
Falcons 18/1
Bengals 18/1
Panthers 20/1
Colts 25/1
Chiefs 25/1
Eagles 25/1
Bears 25/1
Cardinals 25/1
Cowboys 30/1
Giants 30/1
Washington 30/1
Lions 30/1
Rams 30/1
Steelers 30/1
Ravens 30/1
Texans 30/1
Chargers 30/1
Dolphins 40/1
Buccaneers 40/1
Titans 40/1
Jets 60/1
Bills 60/1
Vikings 60/1
Browns 60/1
Jaguars 100/1
Raiders 100/1

Ron Rivera has been named NFL Coach of the Year.

Rivers received 21.5 votes, ahead of Andy Reid with 13.5 and Bill Belichick with 7.

The Carolina Panthers won the NFC South and had a first round bye as the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

Peyton Manning has won his second AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

John Elway accepted the award on Manning's behalf.

Manning received 33 votes from a panel of 50 media members.

LeSean McCoy was second with 10 votes, followed by four going to Jamaal Charles.

Luke Kuechly received 19 votes to win Defensive Player of the Year, beating out Robert Mathis, Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman.