The New York Giants were active in free agency and their free-agent spending could cause them to let linebacker Markus Golden walk this offseason. Ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, it seems unlikely that the Giants are able to retain Golden for the 2020 season.
Last offseason, New York was able to sign Golden to a one-year, prove-it deal worth $3.75 million. The former second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals did exactly that in 2019.
In his lone season with the Giants, Golden tallied 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 27 quarterback hits. The 10 sacks he recorded in 2019 were the second-most of his career. Also, he became the first Giants linebacker to record 10 sacks in a season since Lawrence Taylor in 1990.
Following his breakout season, Golden is seeking a deal that is worth upwards of $10 million annually. Even though he performed well last season, New York isn't willing to give Golden a deal worth that much. Before free agency, Golden expressed some interest in returning to the Giants this offseason.
At this point in the offseason, New York has around $10 million in cap space remaining. But most of that money is going to go toward paying their incoming rookies.
In addition, the Giants signed Kyler Fackrell in free agency to a one-year deal. While he may not have the talent of Golden, New York believes Fackrell can replace Golden on defense in 2020 for less money.
There's no doubt that Golden earned himself a decent contract after the season he put together in 2019. With that being said, it appears that Golden will have to build off of his impressive 2019 season with a new team.