New York Giants Jon Beason facing knee surgery, possible retirement

New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason said Friday during an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio that he will have knee surgery this offseason and, depending on how his rehab goes, will make a decision on whether to retire or try to return for a 10th NFL season.

"You go through the rehab process and you get back out there and you decide, hey, I can still be who I once was. If I can't then it'll be time for me to hang it up," Beason said.

Beason was once one of the best middle linebackers in football. A 2007 first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, Beason was a Pro Bowler from 2008-2010 and was voted All-Pro in 2008. Injuries, though, have derailed his career.

"I don't have any regrets. When healthy I know that I can still play this game at a high level," Beason said. "If it's time, it's time. I'll be real with myself. If it's not then you'll see me next year."

Beason, 30, played only one game for Carolina in 2011 and four in 2012. He played 15 for Carolina and the Giants in 2013 but has played in only eight the past two years. Foot and toe injuries held him to four games in 2014, and a preseason knee injury limited him to four games last season.

Beason has one year left on a three-year, $17 million contract. No matter who is coaching the Giants in 2016 it is hard to imagine Beason as the team's middle linebacker. Beason carries a cap hit of $6.566 million for the upcoming season, and the Giants can save more than $5 million against the cap by cutting him.