Florio mentioned this morning that the Panthers were bracing for the worst when it comes to linebacker Jon Beason.
They learned the worst this afternoon. Beason will miss the season with a torn Achilles, coach Ron Rivera confirmed Monday via the Charlotte Observer.
You only have to look at Beason’s contract to see his importance to the team. The team gave him a $20 million signing bonus last month on a $51.3 million, six-year contract.
Beason had Achilles soreness throughout the offseason and seemed to rush back on to the field Sunday. Carolina has to be thinking twice about letting Beason play, no matter how hard he pushed for it.
Dan Connor will take over for Beason. Carolina’s entire defense will take a hit, especially on passing downs. Beason was arguably the second best young inside linebacker in football behind Patrick Willis.