Beason talks have stalled, agent says

Jul/31/07 04:59 AM Filed in: Jon Beason
SPARTANBURG --The agent for rookie linebacker Jon Beason said Monday the Panthers are refusing to give his client a reasonable contract.

"If ever a player wanted to be practicing in training camp, it's Jon Beason," Michael Huyghue said. "But there's a business side to it, and I don't think our requests are at all unreasonable.''

Beason, the 25th overall pick in this year's draft, has missed five practices. Huyghue said the sides remain in contact, but there has been no progress in talks. The Panthers do not comment on negotiations. Beason is in Jacksonville, Fla., and working out with a personal trainer.

Huyghue said the sticking point isn't about money, but the way cash is distributed. The agent said the Panthers have refused to include a second-year option as part of Beason's guaranteed money. Huyghue said almost all other first-round picks who have signed have been given second-year options. Instead, he said, the Panthers are offering a bonus in the third year that would not be guaranteed and would be based on Beason reaching certain incentives.

The seven players drafted immediately after Beason have signed and the picks closest to Beason have received five-year deals worth an average of slightly more than $2.2 million a season with about $6 million in guaranteed money.

(charlotte.com)