Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy: I hate that I have distracted my team

Convicted Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy said he wants to remain with the Carolina Panthers beyond this season.

Hardy addressed the media before yesterday's practice but refused to answer specific questions about his recent conviction on two domestic violence charges except to say, "I hate that I have distracted my team."

Hardy, the team's franchise player, was convicted this month of assaulting a female and communicating threats and sentenced to a 60-day suspended jail sentence and 18 months' probation following a May 13 incident in which he attacked his ex-girlfriend in his apartment. Hardy is appealing the conviction.

When asked directly and indirectly about his conviction, Hardy replied on six different occasions "I can't answer that question." Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman last week refused to discuss how the conviction might impact Hardy's long-term future with the team.

Gettleman had briefly considered a long-term contract for Hardy earlier this offseason, but eventually made him the team's franchise player. Hardy quickly signed the one-year tender in March, paying him $13.1 million for one season.

Big payday for Packers' Cobb, too?

Randall Cobb doesn't know if he's next on the Packers' re-signing to-do list. His teammates are assuming that's the case.

One day after fellow wide receiver Jordy Nelson signed a reported four-year, $39 million contract extension, Cobb stood at his locker following the team's second training-camp practice and faced question after question about when he might get a new deal.

Cobb, who said he's gotten the feeling from the Packers that he is next in line, is coming off a 2013 season in which he missed 10 games with a leg injury.

"At the end of the day, it's a business," Cobb said. "My heart's in Green Bay, I love Green Bay, the three years I've been here have been unbelievable. But I understand the business side of it."

After leading the team in receptions (80) and receiving yards (954) in 2012, Cobb suffered a fracture at the top of the tibia in his right leg on a low hit by Baltimore safety Matt Elam in an Oct. 13 victory over the Ravens and was placed on injured reserve.

Vikings' Rudolph gets extension

The Minnesota Vikings have signed tight end Kyle Rudolph to a five-year contract extension. The Vikings announced the deal last night.

The deal, which was first reported by Fox Sports, is worth $36.5 million with just $20 million guaranteed. Incentives can push the deal to $40 million.

Rudolph missed eight games because of a broken left foot last season. He caught 30 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns last year, but was still named to the Pro Bowl and earned MVP honors in the game. He had 53 catches for 493 yards and nine touchdowns in 2012. -- AP