Panthers trade Beason to Giants pending physical

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have traded one the team's marquee players.

The team sent linebacker Jon Beason to the Giants for a late-round draft pick.

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis tweeted, "Sad day," on Thursday, but didn't follow up with any details.

Head coach Ron Rivera talked about the trade and losing one of the team leaders, but said it benefits both teams.

"It is very tough because of what he has meant to this defense and this organization," Rivera said.

The news comes two weeks after Beason was replaced in the starting lineup.

Head coach Ron Rivera said Beason needed more time to get in football shapre after having knee surgery during the offseason.

Beason was drafted 25th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Miami.

He is a 3-time Pro Bowler (2008-2010) and has recorded 573 career tackles.

WSOC