DALLAS - The Dallas Cowboys signed free-agent defensive end Greg Hardy, whose 2014 NFL season was cut short because of a domestic violence case that was eventually dismissed.
Greg Hardy at a game between the Carolina Panthers and the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium on August 8, 2014
In the Cowboys' statement announcing the one-year deal, owner Jerry Jones acknowledged that the team thought long and hard about Hardy, who could still face further punishment by the league.
"We have spent a great deal of time over the last two days in meeting with Greg directly and gaining a solid understanding of what he is all about as a person and as a football player," Jones said.
"A thorough background review of him, involving many elements of our organization, has been ongoing for the last few weeks.
"Obviously a great deal of our study was dedicated to the issue of domestic violence, and the recent events that associated Greg with that issue. We know that Greg's status remains under review by the National Football League.
"Our organization understands the very serious nature of domestic violence in our society and in our league. We know that Greg has a firm understanding of those issues as well."
In February, prosecutors in North Carolina, where Hardy played for the Panthers, dismissed domestic violence charges against him, saying his accuser had not cooperated in the case.
Mecklenburg County district attorney Andrew Murray said he understands that Hardy and his accuser had reached a civil settlement and she had intentionally made herself unavailable.
Hardy had been convicted by a judge last July of assaulting and threatening the woman but he appealed to have a jury hear the case.
When prosecutors could not move ahead, the prior conviction was considered overturned.
After playing in the Panthers' season-opener in 2014, he was placed on the NFL commissioner's exempt list and then deactivated by the team.
He must be reinstated by the league to play for the Cowboys.
Hardy equalled a Panthers record with 15 sacks in 2013 and had 204 tackles and 34 sacks in 63 games for Carolina, including 40 starts.
Jones said the Cowboys expect Hardy to boost the team's pass rush defense.
"Greg is a proven and experienced player whose production has allowed him to play at a Pro Bowl level," Jones said.