Updated

A person familiar with the situation says defensive end Greg Hardy has signed his franchise tag tender with the Carolina Panthers.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the signing has not been made official.

Hardy, who said in January he'd have no issue if the team used the franchise tag to keep him, will make $13.1 million next season if he doesn't sign a long-term extension before July 15.

When the Panthers used the franchise tag on Hardy, general manager Dave Gettleman said it was a mechanism to buy more time to work out a long-term deal.

Hardy had 15 sacks last season, tying a franchise record previously established by Kevin Greene in 1996, and was selected to his first Pro Bowl.