--Jon Beason was voted to the Pro Bowl in just his second season with the Panthers and named All-Pro at middle linebacker, which has helped him trigger some escalator clauses in his contract over the next three seasons.
Beason's base salary has increased $365,000 this year (from $735,000 to $1.1 million), $257,500 in 2010 (from $857,500 to $1,115,000) and $158,000 in 2011 (from $980,000 to $1,138,000), according to league documents.
This year's $365,000 pay increase will count against the team's salary cap in 2009.
Beason is also due a $2.5 million bonus prior to next season as part of his original rookie contract signed in 2007. His contract with the Panthers runs through 2011, but you can bet at some point in the next two years the Panthers will look to sign Beason to a contract extension given how well he's played.
--Monday on "Movin' The Chains" on SIRIUS NFL Radio, hosts Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan spoke with Jordan Gross and he raised some eyebrows about the prospect of teammate Julius Peppers staying in Carolina.
"I personally think that we need to do whatever we can to get a deal done to keep him in house," Gross said. "Just what he does on the field and off the field, just kind of his image with the team and with the fans, it's of the utmost importance that we keep him. I've spoken with him and he's willing to leave, he's willing to stay. He just kind of wants to see what the best situation is going to be for him. ... We've got a new D-line coach who I don't know anything about but maybe they could bring a little bit more coaching element that he hasn't had yet. He's probably our next in line but I wouldn't be surprised if in the draft and in free agency they address the pass rusher."
--The release of Jeremy Bridges and the impending free agency status of Geoff Hangartner and Frank Omiyale set to might leave the Panthers without the quality depth on the offensive line that was so important last season.
"We'll have a different look this year as far as depth goes in some areas," Hurney said. "We'll probably have to get some younger guys in here."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Nick (Goings) has been a valuable member of our team since I have been in Carolina. As a starter or in a reserve role, his versatility and contributions on special teams, along with his unselfish attitude, were important to our team and locker room. While Jeremy (Bridges) and D.J. (Hackett) were not here as long, their contributions were significant in the success of our season last year. Jeremy's flexibility meant a lot to the football team." -- Panthers coach John Fox on the team releasing running back Nick Goings, lineman Jeremy Bridges and receiver D.J. Hackett in salary cap moves.
