New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden had a contract year to forget, if we can even call it that.
McFadden, a 2022 fifth-round pick and the Giants’ starting middle linebacker, suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 1. His chances of landing a multi-year deal, either with the Giants or elsewhere, almost immediately went up in smoke.
In the eyes of The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, McFadden’s injury could prove to be a “blessing in disguise,” at least for the Giants.
McFadden signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract in March. The 26-year-old will receive nearly $3 million in guaranteed money, even as he moves into a backup role.
The Giants added Tremaine Edmunds in free agency and used the No. 5 pick on Arvell Reese, who will move to inside linebacker after playing edge rusher at Ohio State.
“After years of spotty linebacker depth, the Giants now have McFadden as a reliable backup behind Edmunds and Reese,” Duggan wrote.
The Giants should benefit from having Micah McFadden back in the mix
McFadden stuffed the stat sheet during his two years as a starter, recording 208 tackles (including 20 for a loss), four sacks, and recovering five fumbles over 30 games. He also forced a fumble and recorded a 5-yard interception, serving as a bright spot for the disappointing 2023 and 2024 teams.
Luckily for the Giants, McFadden was a full participant in OTAs, and there have been no credible reports about lingering discomfort from the foot injury.
Had McFadden not gotten hurt, he could have appealed to teams needing experienced starting middle linebackers.
Instead, he essentially signed a prove-it deal with the Giants. Even coming off the bench, he should remain a key player in Dennard Wilson’s defense.
McFadden’s presence also helps the Giants if Reese runs into early problems. Wilson and John Harbaugh can move Reese around and get McFadden on the field as a traditional inside linebacker.
McFadden turns 27 in January, so we suggest that he continue to make the most of whatever chances he gets.
The Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair is an example of a path that McFadden could potentially follow. Al-Shaair started for the 49ers in 2021, but a knee injury limited him to nine games off the bench in 2022.
Al-Shaair signed a one-year deal with the Titans ahead of the 2023 season, recorded 163 tackles with nine for loss, and parlayed that into a three-year contract with Houston.
Earlier this offseason, Al-Shaair inked a three-year, $54 million extension with nearly $39 million guaranteed.
If McFadden stays healthy, he could follow Al-Shaair in getting a one-year contract next spring. Then, the ball is in his hands to reiterate why he’s deserving of a longer deal.
For now, McFadden will be a backup for an immensely talented Giants defense. Remember: All it takes is one opportunity.
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