Why the NY Giants pass rush might be better than experts are predicting

4. Markus Golden

I know what you’re saying “Markus Golden isn’t even on the NY Giants roster, what’s he doing on the list of reasons why the Giants pass rush is going to be better than people think?”. It’s true that Golden isn’t currently signed by the Giants, however, after Dave Gettleman wisely placed the rare unrestricted free agent tender on Golden in late April, the likelihood of his return became significantly better.

While Golden can still negotiate with whatever NFL teams he wants, he would be guaranteed $5.224 million next year if he returns to the Giants. Given the seeming lack of a market for Golden, the $5.224 million may end up being the best offer he receives, even if it is much lower of an amount than he is seeking.

The move was excellent in that it increases the likelihood that Big Blue’s leader in sacks from last season returns to the roster on a team-friendly contract for 2020. Golden became a fan favorite after he had a strong 10 sack season following signing a one-year $3.75 million deal with the Giants last offseason.

If the Giants are in fact able to resign Golden for 2020, the pass rush from their outside linebacker group would become significantly stronger with the rotation of Golden, Fackrell, Oshane Ximines, Lorenzo Carter and recent draft picks Cam Brown, Carter Coughlin, and TJ Brunson.

If Gettleman is able to secure a player who had a double-digit total last year for just over $5 million, it will be a coup given what other pass rushers with less production last season have signed for.