For now, Hardy has a 2014 contract. Teams have until 4 p.m. ET Monday to use the tag.

Citing what it called team sources and multiple reports, the Charlotte Observer reported a lengthy contract remains a goal and discussions will continue.

Part of the Panthers' problem is salary cap constraints. The team's success last season in winning the NFC South makes is difficult to retain its roster, and the Observer speculated players could be allowed to test the free-agent market. Among them: wideout Brandon LaFell and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn.

With the salary cap expected to be $132 million, teams must either shed players or restructure contracts to create space for raises and acquisitions. GM Dave Gettleman got center Ryan Kalil, running back Jonathan Stewart and linebacker Thomas Davis to alter their contracts to allow cap space, according to the Observer.

With 26 sacks over the past two seasons, the Panthers weren't going to let Hardy test free agency. Cutting a deal will be tricky if, as he told NFL.com, he is seeking a "crapload of money."

As one of the rising sackmeisters of the league, Hardy is likely to get what he wants.


MACLIN'S PACT


Wideout Jeremy Maclin and the Eagles have a one-year deal, the team announced Friday.

"Jeremy is an ideal player for our scheme with his combination of size, speed, strength and route-running ability, in addition to his dynamic playmaking talent," GM Howie Roseman said in a team release. "We're happy to see him rehabbing well and to get him under contract for the 2014 season."

The deal reportedly will net Maclin, a 2009 first-round pick, $5.5 million, $3.5 million of that guaranteed. It's a good signing for both team and player, according to Philly.com. The Eagles will pay him less as he comes off a lost season, and Maclin can hit the free-agent market in 2015.

Maclin didn't play a down in 2013, Chip Kelly's first as coach, after tearing an ACL in training camp. Maclin is a key target and will benefit from having QB Nick Foles at the helm of Kelly's high-powered offense.

The signing caps a busy week for the Eagles. They agreed to deals with All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters, receiver Riley Cooper and center Jason Kelce.


BUTLER DID IT


Count Chargers linebacker Donald Butler among players completing deals ahead of the weekend. He and the team settled on a multi-year contract extension, Butler disclosed via Twitter. Terms weren't immediately available.

The gist: Butler won't become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, nor was it expected the Chargers would allow him to bolt. From being a third-round pick in 2010, Butler rose to being a co-captain and grew into a vocal role with the team following the departure of Takeo Spikes and other veterans, the San Diego Union-Tribune noted.

The only downside for Butler is a history of injuries, which he and the team do not consider an obstacle.

Like most teams, the Chargers have other players who will head to market barring contracts. Among them: safety Darrell Stuckey, special teams captain.

"Feeling blessed!" Butler wrote on Twitter. "Y'all heard it here first! Deal is done!! SD I aint going no where!! Too excited!!"


PITTA PAYOFF


Dennis Pitta and the Ravens will be paired for the next five years, if all goes well. News of the accord came in an announcement by the team.

The pact is worth roughly $32.5 million, according to initial reports. Team officials will hold a media conference Monday with Pitta. Monday is the NFL deadline for designating franchise players, so the team and Pitta avoided a confrontation on that issue.

Pitta is a favorite target for QB Joe Flacco, and the offense suffered last season when Pitta missed the first 12 games because of hip surgery.

At 28, Pitta is a sure-handed receiver in a two-tight end scheme with Ed Dickson. Ravens officials have decisions to make ahead of March 11's opening of the free-agent market. Dickson likely will be seeking employment elsewhere, and the team also might lose wideout Jacoby Jones.

GM Ozzie Newsome, who likely will overhaul the Ravens' receiving corps for the 2014 season, lauded Pitta in comments released by the team.

"Dennis creates a number of mismatch problems for defenses," Newsome said. "He makes it tough on them, and because of that, he really helps out our wide receivers. Opponents have to always pay attention to where he lines up and where his routes take him. Dennis is also a big target with very good hands, and his presence in the red zone is very important to us."

Pitta was especially productive in the Ravens' recent playoff games. He had a touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLVII, capping three in four postseason games. Pitta had a career-best season 2012, with 61 catches, 669 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches Ravens' Super Bowl team.

Newsome now figures to address offensive line questions, especially with tackles Michael Oher and Eugene Monroe unsigned.

Contributors: Ray Slover, The Associated Press