Panthers defensive end and soon-to-be free agent Greg Hardy will be allowed to sign a new contract even if he remains on the commissioner's exempt list.
The Panthers announced they have signed Pro Bowl tight end to a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2018 season.
Cam Newton threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns, Carolina's defense set an NFL record for fewest yards allowed in a postseason game, and the Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-16 on Saturday.