SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -The Carolina Panthers reached a stalemate in negotiations Friday with first-round pick Jon Beason, making it likely he'll be the team's first rookie holdout in four years.
"We're not close. I would say were miles apart," general manager Marty Hurney said.
When asked if it would be safe to say Beason would miss the team's opening practices Saturday, his agent, Michael Huyghue said, "I think that is a fair statement."
The news of Beason's likely holdout came the same day the Panthers signed second-round pick Dwayne Jarrett to a four-year, $3.825 million contract. A day earlier, the Panthers came to terms with fellow second-round pick Ryan Kalil, and both players reported to training camp Friday for a series of meetings.
Beason, a linebacker from Miami and the 25th pick in the draft, was absent. He was expected to start camp working at outside linebacker, but also provide insurance at middle linebacker in case Dan Morgan can't return after multiple concussions.
Huyghue flew Thursday to Charlotte for face-to-face negotiations, but left without a deal. Neither Huyghue or Hurney would say what the major sticking point is.
"It's always disappointing for everybody because I don't think anyone wins in a holdout situation," Hurney said.
The last rookie to hold out for Carolina was second-round pick Bruce Nelson in 2003, and that was for only one day. The last extended holdout was Jason Peter in 1998.
Jarrett, a receiver from Southern California, will receive $1.935 million in guaranteed bonuses and incentives, making the deal one of the largest in guaranteed money for a second-round pick.
The 45th pick in the draft, Jarrett is expected to contend for the starting receiver job vacated when Keyshawn Johnson was released in the offseason.
"He's excited to be a Carolina Panther and looking forward to the opportunity to start opposite Steve Smith," Jarrett's agent, Darin Morgan, said.
Kalil, also from USC, agreed to a four-year deal. He's expected to compete for a starting job on the offensive line.
