5 Offseason moves to fix the 2020 NY Giants defense
By Matt Clark
3. Give Markus Golden a contract extension
Markus Golden has resurrected his career in New York this season, amassing 60 tackles, 10 sacks and a fumble recovery so far this year. With this stellar performance, the Giants should reward their soon-to-be free agent linebacker with a contract extension.
Golden was signed on a one-year $3.75 million contract by the Giants in the offseason. He had a breakout year in 2016 with the Arizona Cardinals, where he notched 12.5 sacks on the year. However, he would suffer an ACL injury that would cause him to miss time and lack production the two seasons following his breakout, resulting in him signing the show-me deal with the Giants last offseason.
Golden has certainly shown that he can be a productive player, living up to the caliber of play he demonstrated in 2016. He is expected to receive a multi-year deal in the $9-11 million a year range, which is extremely affordable for a player of his skill set.
Offering a contract extension to the high-motor pass-rushing linebacker would assure that the Giants keep their best pass-rushing weapon around for the foreseeable future. Letting him go to another team would serve as a detriment to a young Giants team that already lacks in the pass rush department.