The Carolina Panthers have confirmed that they have placed the franchise tag on defensive end Greg Hardy.

The 25-year-old was due to be out of contract when the league year ends, but the club have chosen to place the tag on him, which keeps him under contract for another season at a price of $12m (£7.16m).

"We are very pleased that Greg will be back with the Panthers next season," head coach Ron Rivera told the club's official website. "He was a big reason we were able to lead the league in sacks last year and keeps our defensive line intact."

Hardy recorded 15 sacks for the Panthers in the 2013 season.