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Giants Rumors: Markus Golden Signs 1-Year, $5.1M UFA Contract Tender
August 4, 2020
New York Giants outside linebacker Markus Golden reportedly signed a one-year, $5.1 million contract with the team after receiving an unrestricted free agent tender in April.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the update Tuesday.
The tender reverted Golden's rights back to the Giants since he didn't sign elsewhere before July 22. At that point, he could only sign the one-year contract with New York to play in 2020.
He joined the Giants on a one-year deal last March and proceeded to post a team-high 10 sacks to go along with 72 total tackles and a fumble recovery while starting all 16 games in 2019.
In November, Golden told Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post he wanted to remain with the organization if possible.
"Of course, I'd love to be here," he said. "I've enjoyed coming to work every day, the culture and the people within the organization. People don't understand you are not just around your teammates. There are so many people you meet. Everybody here has been great. But you know how business goes."
Golden spent his first four NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He recorded 119 total tackles, 19 sacks, six forced fumbles and three passes defended in 46 games with the Cards.
The 29-year-old Missouri native should once again draw a starting assignment opposite Lorenzo Carter at the linebacker level for the Giants. David Mayo and Blake Martinez are projected to start on the inside.
With two double-digit sack seasons over the past four years, it's surprising Golden hasn't generated more widespread interest as far as a long-term deal is concerned. His 29 sacks since 2015 rank 46th in the NFL despite the fact that he was limited to four appearances in 2017 because of a torn ACL.
He'll look to put together another strong year with the Giants before hitting free agency again next offseason.