New York Giants: should Jon Beason be cut?

After a little less than two seasons with the New York Giants, linebacker Jon Beason could be on his way out.

Rumors and speculation infer that Beason, along with players like Mathias Kiwanuka, are likely salary-cap casualties. Cutting Beason would make sense if the Giants want to retain guys like Jason Pierre-Paul and Antrel Rolle. Beason, who recently turned 30, only played in four games in 2014 due to a re-aggravated toe injury. Beason desperately tried to return this year, but his injury wasn’t one he could play with.

Next year, Beason is slated to make $3.67 million plus $100,000 in workout bonuses and $1.375 million in roster bonuses, which is a lofty price to pay for a player whose health is perpetually in question.

Beason came over during the 2013 regular season from the Carolina Panthers, and he helped turn the Giants defense around to a unit that would end up finishing eighth in total defense. Beason provided the first legitimate inside linebacker the Giants have had since Antonio Pierce. Beason finished his first year in New York (nine games started) with 93 tackles and an interception, in what was what I viewed as a Pro-Bowl caliber year.

The Giants really like Beason, too. He earned the respect of his teammates and he was voted a team captain in only his second year with the team. His attitude and intensity made him a presence on the defense. He’s such a tenacious and cerebral player, and he literally backs down from no one. Last year he made solo tackles against Eddie Lacy, Adrian Peterson and even “Beast Mode” aka Marshawn Lynch.

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So yes, the Giants could still use Beason on the defense. New York finished 29th in total defense and 30th against the run. With Beason’s absence, the Giants plugged in Jameel McClain in the “Mike” spot. While rookie Devon Kennard had an impressive year, Beason’s absence also thrust Mark Herzlich into what was probably more playing time than the Giants wanted to see out of him. The idea in the preseason was to have Beason back and fully healthy so he could play inside, while McClain and Kennard would play outside.

As previously stated, he’s invaluable to the unit due to his leadership and play. However, it’s hard to trust the often-injured former Miami Hurricane. However, I think cutting Beason outright might be a bad idea restructuring his contract would be better for both parties.

Dec 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason (52) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (96) stop San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) at first and goal in the third quarter of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Beason is a classy and intelligent player. He understands the business aspect of the game. Beason has publicly said he enjoys playing with the Giants. Beason even went as far as saying he “doesn’t plan on going anywhere. Ever.”

So it’s not outside of the realm of possibility to see him agree to some sort of deal that minimizes the cap hit and increases guaranteed money. Furthermore, Beason has proven that he can return from an injury and be a productive player.

Let’s be honest here and acknowledge the fact that Beason isn’t exactly chopped liver. He’s a former Pro Bowler and he still has some football left in him. If the Giants want to move on from Beason, that’s fine, but they better have a good backup plan.

Verdict:

I think the Giants should try to work out a contract restructure with Beason. I watched him all of 2013, and he was really the main catalyst for that defensive turnaround. The way he was able to fill gaps and make tackles was uncanny. I think you could make a serious case that Beason is the most important player on the Giants defense. If the Giants want to move on from Beason, fine, but what’s the backup plan? Will Jameel McClain play another year inside, or will they draft someone or pick someone up in free agency? Any way you cut it, a well liked, hard-working captain isn’t the easiest thing in the world to replace. And for what it’s worth, Kiwanuka should absolutely be cut. He’s not even a situational pass rusher anymore. He’s just dead weight.

Next: New York Giants likely to address run game in offseason