Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman has refused to rule out the possibility of defensive end Greg Hardy leaving the side this off-season.

Hardy is one of 21 players, including eight starters, whose contract with the Panthers is due to expire this year.

The 25-year-old is arguably the highest-profile player on that list having finished second in the NFL with 15 sacks this season, but Gettleman hinted that those figures may not result in a new contract for the player.

"Everybody in this league lets players go. There isn't a team in this league that hasn't let a big dog walk out the door, and don't print that I'm saying he's going to go," Gettleman told reporters.

"I'm just making a statement. There isn't anybody that hasn't done that. But again, there is a whole big puzzle we're putting together. And he's one of the pieces."

Hardy has already said that he is "enthusiastic" about his future with the team and expressed his desire to return next season.