Jon Beason

Beason has dealt with a variety of injuries throughout his career and appeared in just nine games over the last two seasons. In fact, he's only appeared in 29 games since 2011. The Giants need to get younger, faster and stronger up the middle on defense, so Beason's departure isn't going to hurt too much. Look for the Giants to address their linebacker corps in both free agency and the draft.

Beason's played very well with the Giants while healthy, but he played just five games and is now about to get knee surgery. The Giants do need some help on defense, but Beason's also an injury risk and a bit expensive. The 31-year old may want to return to New York, but it's unclear if the Giants can afford him to come back.

Jon Beason has missed 51 games in the past five seasons. With a myriad of injuries, his pending knee surgery just adds to the list. Beason ended his second consecutive season on the injured-reserve and was rumored to be thinking about retirement. But this item suggests that Beason also may return for next season as well. It remains to be seen what Beason will do going forward, but if he wants to make an impact, he has to stay on the field. Which has been problematic through the years.

The Giants moved Beason to IR when they activated Jason Pierre-Paul. Beason has had a distinguished 10-year NFL career, but he will be 31 before next season. If his career is over, the Giants will have a huge hole to fill at middle linebacker.