New York Giants Football: Ranking Dave Gettleman’s top 10 moves
By Matt Clark
9. Free agent acquisition Markus Golden
Gettleman and the Giants decided to take a chance on one of James Bettcher’s former defensive players, signing Markus Golden to a one-year $3.75 million contract. Golden had experienced success in Bettcher’s scheme previously with the Arizona Cardinals, having racked up 12.5 sacks in the 2016 season.
However, following the breakout season in 2016, Golden was plagued by injury, appearing in just four games in 2017 and 11 games in 2018 with the Cardinals. As a result, he was available to the Giants at a reasonable price, opting to sign the one-year show me contract with New York.
The move has paid dividends, as Golden has 43 tackles, six and a half sacks and a fumble recovery on the year for the Giants. He has been a leader on the defense and has provided consistent pressure throughout the season. As a result, Golden stands to gain a substantially larger contract this offseason, whether it is through extension with the Giants or with another team. Either way, the move was a great low risk, high reward signing by Gettleman.