New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden will test free agency in a couple of weeks on the NFL's open market in spite of the veteran defensive player's reported interest in re-signing with the NFC East franchise.

According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, Golden, who turns 29 years old next week, “has interest” in returning to the Giants, but in the meantime will test free agency.

Another wrinkle in Anderson's report is Golden's interest in free agency due to the new league year starting for the NFL as the NFLPA votes on a Collective Bargaining Agreement proposal between now and next Thursday. The timeframe for players to vote to ratify or strike down the CBA proposal has been an impact in free agency and teams' ability to extend players or decide to use the franchise tag. One report from Thursday morning stated that the NFL would not extend the deadline for the franchise tag, which is on the same day as the NFLPA's last day to vote for the CBA.

Golden, in his first season with the Giants, appeared in all 16 games, recording 37 solo tackles, 13 tackles for losses, 27 quarterback hits, 10 sacks, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. A product of the University of Missouri, Golden was a second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2015 NFL Draft and spent the first four years of his professional tenure in the NFC West before signing a one-year, $3.75 million contract with new York.

It's completely conceivable to see Golden re-sign with the Giants, however, the CBA proposal timing plus the linebacker's perceived value could throw the entire reunion into wack and see Golden sign elsewhere.