IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have made their big play in free agency with defensive end Greg Hardy.
Although Hardy could face a league suspension for violating the NFL's domestic conduct policy, the team said it agreed to terms with the former Carolina Panther on Wednesday.
A person with knowledge of the contract tells The Associated Press it is a one-year deal that could earn him $13.1 million if he meets incentives. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because terms of the deal were not announced.
The Cowboys let DeMarco Murray go to NFC East rival Philadelphia because they decided the NFL rushing champion was too expensive. Now, they've bolstered the defense, particularly the pass rush.
Hardy remains on the commissioner's exempt list as he seeks reinstatement by the NFL, which filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking the release of records from the trial that led to Hardy's conviction by a judge in North Carolina on domestic violence charges. The case was dismissed after Hardy requested a jury trial and his accuser couldn't be located to testify.
The league is seeking the evidence through an open records request after prosecutors refused to release anything. Without the evidence, it could be difficult for the NFL to enforce a tougher personal-conduct policy approved by owners after Hardy's conviction.
First-time violations involving assault, sexual assault and domestic violence. Previously, first-time offenders typically received two-game suspensions.
NFL
The 26-year-old Hardy played just one game last season while his case was still in the courts after tying a Carolina franchise record with 15 sacks in 2013. He made $13.1 million in 2014 as Carolina's franchise player.
NFL officials met with Hardy earlier this month to discuss the case. His ex-girlfriend testified that Hardy threw her around and threatened to kill her, and he denied those allegations.
NFL: Replay rule changes proposed
NEW YORK — Significant changes to the use of video replay, including reviewing all fouls called by game officials, will be proposed by the NFL's competition committee at next week's owners meetings.
The committee is presenting a proposal by the Detroit Lions that would permit the instant replay system to correct an officiating error. That would include such controversial calls as pass interference.
Also to be discussed in Phoenix will be a proposal by the New England Patriots to place fixed cameras on all boundary lines. That would guarantee coverage of those lines regardless of where network cameras are positioned.
Ravens: Chris Canty returns
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens and defensive Chris Canty have reached agreement on a 2-year deal less than three weeks after parting ways.
The Ravens terminated Canty's contract on Feb. 27. But now he's back in the fold.
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome says, "We talked weeks ago about the possibility of Chris coming back, and we are happy he is."
Canty was inactive for five games last season and had three games without a tackle. He finished with 33 tackles and a half-sack in 11 starts. Financial terms of his 2-year deal were not released.
The 32-year-old Canty played the last two seasons with the Ravens. In 26 games, including 24 starts, he had 63 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks.
Canty played four years in Dallas and won a Super Bowl during a four-year run with the New York Giants.
Ravens: Pierce cut after DUI charge
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens released running back Bernard Pierce on Wednesday, hours after he was charged with drunken driving.
Baltimore County police said an officer stopped a Ford Mustang that was speeding around 2 a.m. Wednesday in Towson, north of Baltimore.
Police spokesman Cpl. John Wachter said Pierce had been driving 55 mph in a 30 mph zone, and that Pierce failed a series of field sobriety tests after he was stopped. Pierce was taken to a station house in Towson for processing, and later released.
Pierce is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol and two additional speeding offenses.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Ravens announced that Pierce, 23, had been cut in a press release consisting of one sentence.
The move was in line with the team's assertion last month that off-field misbehavior would not be tolerated.
Five Ravens players were arrested last year, most notably running back Ray Rice for domestic violence, an offense that led to his suspension by the NFL and his release from the team.
Dolphins: Crabtree to visit
DAVIE, Fla. — Free agent receiver Michael Crabtree has scheduled a visit with the Miami Dolphins, who are revamping the position this offseason.
Crabtree has been a starter for the San Francisco 49ers since they took him in the first round of the 2009 draft. He had 68 catches last year but dropped passes were a problem, and he averaged a career-low 10.3 yards per reception while scoring only four touchdowns.
The Dolphins remain in the market for help even after acquiring receiver Kenny Stills in a trade with New Orleans. They traded disgruntled receiver Mike Wallace to Minnesota, and released Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson.
Giants: DT Kenrick Ellis signed
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants have signed former Jets defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis in a move to strengthen their weak run defense.
The Giants, who finished 30th in run defense last season, announced the signing Wednesday. Contract terms were not immediately available.
Ellis spent his first four seasons with the Jets, playing in 47 games with five starts. The 6-foot-4, 346-pounder had 66 career tackles, one sack and a forced fumble.
Johnathan Hankins and Cullen Jenkins are the returning starting tackles in a group that also includes Markus Kuhn and Jay Bromley. Mike Patterson is a free agent.
The Giants allowed an average of 135.1 yards rushing in 2014. The Jets allowed an average of 93.1 yards, fifth best in the league.