Panthers Playing Hardball with Beason

My first impression was that Beasons' agent must be playing hard to get but now it appears just the opposite.

Following a court ruling earlier this year that made it risky for teams to offer so-called second-year "option bonuses," the Panthers are refusing to offer one to Beason, said his agent, Michael Huyghue. He called it the main stumbling block between the club and Beason, who entered the third day of his holdout Monday.

Yet its reported that the other first rounders are getting this type of bonus. Beason seems to be caught in the middle. The Panthers run the risk of creating an attitude problem with a guy who they thought would be a locker room leader.

"I don't want the negative media attention. I don't want to be the focal point," Beason, the 25th pick in the draft, told the AP in his first interview since starting his holdout. "Already having the pressure of being the first-round pick, not having the luxury of being out there, it's hurting myself."

The story says "most" of the other first rounds picks have gotten the bonus. I'm curious as to how many. Whats the risk to the Panthers here? Is it really worth it when you expect this guy to develop into one of the leaders of team?

"They hope if they do this, they might be the only team that would never have to do option bonuses going down the road," Huyghue said.

The second-year option bonus has come to replace the traditional signing bonus in the NFL, since it's a more salary-cap friendly way to pay rookies.

I never like having top picks hold out. You draft them with the intention of signing them. If you plan to set a precendent in contract negotiations then maybe that could be mentioned up front during pre-draft workouts. On draft day when the Panthers call you could always say "no thanks", I'll wait for someone else. OK, I'm dreaming...

"I just want to come in and compete. I just want a fair deal," Beason said. "Obviously, the team can structure a deal however they want to, but I just want to sign a deal that's the same (by) comparison to what everyone else got."

I can't argue with that. He should be paid what the 25th pick deserves. He shouldn't have to accept being the lowest paid first rounder. I'm on Beasons side at this point but the Panthers do hold the power. Let's see how it plays out.