Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy will receive a $1.3m (£774,000) advance on his 2014 salary if he participates in the team's entire off-season programme, according to reports.

Hardy has rarely turned up to the Panthers' programmes in recent years, missing at least 90% of the workouts in 2012 and 2013 and losing an estimated $100,000 (£60,000) as a result.

However, the Panthers have now offered the 25-year-old a lucrative bonus to entice him to take part in this season's OTAs, with an unprecedented deal for a player who has received the franchise tag.

Hardy's franchise tag number is currently $13.1m (£7.8m), although the Panthers are understood to be keen on thrashing out a long-term deal before that number goes into full effect on July 15.

The former sixth-round Draft pick recorded a team-high 15 sacks last season, helping his side to win the NFC South and being voted to the Pro Bowl in the process.