A season-ending knee surgery for linebacker Jon Beason might be the latest blow to the Carolina Panthers. After coming back this season, earlier than expected, from a torn Achilles, Beason has been struggling with a knee injury all season, and has indicated that surgery is his best bet for his future.
Another Marty Hurney contract, Beason signed a 5-year, $50 million dollar contract last year that is appearing to be a sunk cost that will be a salary cap burden for the team.
Jon Beason was not looking like his old self in any of the games this year. He had been favoring his other leg greatly, leading to his inability to make the key tackles and run-downs as he used to in years prior. Nevertheless, this is a serious personnel loss for the team.
Luckily for the Panthers, Luke Kuechly is showing to be a very able rookie at the MLB position, where Beason played until early October. While only a rookie, the Panthers will likely keep Kuechly (who already has an affectionate nickname of “Keek” by Panthers fans) in the MLB position, and use Thomas Davis and James Anderson as the OLBs. Barring any injuries to the injury-prone Davis and defense, this may make a terrible situation salvageable.
The Panthers already have cornerback Chris Gamble and center Ryan Kalil on injured reserve for the year. Beason will be a very dangerous drop in the bucket if this happens.
