Even with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy lobbying and calling for support, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had declined to sign defensive end Greg Hardy.

While the Buccaneers could have used another dominant pass rusher, and even with Agent Drew Rosenhaus leveraging one team against another for him, the Buccaneers decided that Hardy just was not worth the trouble.

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Jason Licht, general manager of the Buccaneers, told the Tampa Bay Times that at the end of the day they didn't feel good about the decision.

Unable to hide his disappointment, McCoy took to social media his opinion on the decision. He said he gave it his all but things just do not go the way they are supposed to sometimes.

Some fans did not appreciate McCoy's support for Hardy.

McCoy tweeted in response, "Any fan that can disrespect me for trying to improve our team, going out my comfort zone to make something happen I don't need you."

Hardy could have been a valuable addition to the team, as the Buccaneers have not had a player who has recorded double-digit sacks since Simeon Rice in 2005.

Immediately after hearing about the Buccaneers' decision, Hardy went on to sign a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the Dallas Cowboys. The deal could be worth US$13.1 million --- the exact amount Hardy made last season playing with the Carolina Panthers.

Last season though, Hardy only played one game before being placed on the commissioner's exempt list. He was able to record one sack in the Buccaneers' opening game.

Hardy was then suspended due to some domestic disputes in North Carolina. He was found guilty of assaulting and threatening to kill his girlfriend, Nicole Holder.

The case was appealed to a jury trial though, and soon dismissed after Holder and Hardy reached a settlement.

Hardy is a 26 years old and is an elite pass rusher in the National Football League. He has had 27 sacks in his last 32 games.  

TagsTampa Bay Buccaneers, Greg Hardy, Gerald McCoy, Dallas Cowboys