With linebackers like Karlos Dansby and DeMeco Ryans pocketing huge deals recently, Panthers linebacker Jon Beason knows that his payday is coming.
Said Beason in the wake of news that Ryans has inked a six-year, $48 million deal with $21.75 million guaranteed, Beason told the Charlotte Observer, “I don’t have a pen and a notebook or a tape recorder, but let me ask you a question. Do you think I’m in the same class as DeMeco Ryans, or better?”
It sounds like Beason thinks he’s better. And he may be right.
Especially since Beason compares himself to the current gold standard at linebacker -- Patrick Willis of the 49ers.
“The NFL’s done a good job of keeping myself and Patrick Willis joined at the hip,” Beason said. “Whether he gets a deal first, or it happens to be me, the other one’s going to be right behind him.”
The only question is whether Beason will get that deal in Carolina, or whether he’ll have to go elsewhere.