Carolina Panthers WR -- I'd Welcome Greg Hardy Back ... 'Deserves 2nd Chance'

Carolina Panthers star Greg Hardy has at least ONE supporter if the team decides to bring him back after his domestic violence case ... teammate Jerricho Cotchery, who says Hardy deserves a second chance.

TMZ Sports spoke with the veteran wide receiver who tells us ... he's aware of the allegations against Hardy -- that he attacked his ex-girlfriend in a jealous rage -- but says he defers to Jesus when it comes to judgment.

"I can't speak for everybody, but I would welcome him back with open arms," Cotchery says ... "I view his situation from a biblical standpoint and I believe in the Good Book and feel he should be given a second chance."

As for Hardy, he missed most of the 2014 season after he was placed on the NFL commissioner's exempt list -- where he's supposed to stay until his case is resolved.

Now, with a judge in North Carolina dismissing the charges ... it seems the path will soon be clear for Hardy to return to action. Only catch is he'll be a free agent in March and can sign with anyone.