Panthers close to Greg Hardy move

— -- Carolina Panthers star defensive end Greg Hardy is expected to be placed on the NFL's exempt list, sources confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Negotiations are underway among Hardy, the Panthers, the league and the players' union, according to sources. Hardy, who has been convicted on two domestic violence charges, would have to agree to the move.

The Panthers would not have to play Hardy, although they would still pay him if he were placed on the exempt/commissioner's permission list -- a move that the Minnesota Vikings made early Wednesday morning with embattled running back Adrian Peterson.

Hardy did not practice Wednesday and was seen leaving the team's facility with agent Drew Rosenhaus, who told reporters that a decision has already been reached regarding the Pro Bowler's status. The team still has not formally announced whether Hardy will play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to the NFL, only commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to place a player on the exempt list, as it is a "special player status available to clubs only in unusual circumstances."

Hardy returned to the Panthers on Monday and was expected to practice with the team this week after being deactivated for this past Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera and general manager Dave Gettleman previously had said that the team was doing its "due diligence" in regard to its options with Hardy, who was found guilty by a judge in July of assaulting and threatening his ex-girlfriend.

Hardy has appealed the conviction and is scheduled for a jury trial that begins Nov. 17. If the sentence is upheld, he will face 60 days in jail and 18 months' probation.

The NFL considers the Hardy situation to be under review, specifically by former New York prosecutor Lisa Friel, whom the NFL hired as a special consultant Monday as part of its social responsibility division, a league source told ESPN.