Greg Hardy has said that he is not "stressing" over impending contract talks with the Carolina Panthers.

The defensive end is due to become a free agent next month, but general manager Dave Gettleman has not guaranteed the 25-year-old a new deal with the NFC South champions.

Hardy told NFL Network: "It's a football game. It's a game, so you really can't put too much stock in stressing about something like that.

"I'm in the best position of my life regardless of what happens, so I definitely believe in letting my agent and my manager and my people handle that and I can focus on football and entertaining you guys.

"Give me a phone call and offer me a crapload of money. That's all. Nothing too serious."

Hardy tied the Panthers' single-season sacks record in 2013 with 15.