EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J – The Giants are considering bringing back Markus Golden for the 2020 season.
Coach Joe Judge said today “we have an interest” in Golden, who led the Giants in sacks last season and remains a free agent. Two weeks ago, the Giants placed a seldom-used unrestricted free agent tender on Golden. If he does not sign with another team by July 22, he can play only for the Giants this year. If he signs with another team prior to that date, his departure will likely give the Giants a compensatory selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Golden's 10.0 sacks were more than twice as many as any of his teammates had; fellow linebackers Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines tied for second with 4.5.
"Without going into what we talked about, yes, I have spoken with Markus," Judge said on a Zoom interview today. "I have a lot of respect for him as a player. He's a great person, he's a hard worker. He's a productive player so we have a lot of respect for him. He's definitely someone that I have spoken to in terms of possibly adding to the roster. We placed the tag on him that's something that's allotted to us through the league rules. We thought that it was a situation when it came up and was available to us, it was something we could use. We have an interest in Markus, we've talked to him. We are going through the procedure right now. We're going to let it play out a little bit and see where everything shakes out."
*The Giants last week were awarded quarterback Cooper Rush off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys, for whom he three passes in five appearances in three seasons with the team. Rush played for coach Jason Garrett, who is now the Giants' offensive coordinator.
"Like everyone else in the league we are looking at the waiver wire every day," Judge said. "We are always trying to acquire good football players for our team. The competition in training camp will sort a lot of things out. When we see a good player out there and we think he is someone that can be an asset to our team and come in here and compete, that's all we're considering. He was someone that came across the waiver wire that we had known about and some had experience with him. We thought it would be a positive move for our team."
The Giants currently have five quarterbacks – starter Daniel Jones, veteran reserves Colt McCoy, Alex Tanney and Rush and rookie free agent Case Cookus. Because they are working remotely, Judge doesn't have to worry about divvying up practice reps. That will change when the Giants finally take the field.
Judge said the team can "definitely" alter the construction of the roster when and if it becomes necessary.
"You can have 90 quarterbacks right now, because you don't have to worry about throwing to anybody," Judge said. "In terms of going to camp right now, we'll address that as we get closer to camp in terms of all the positions. We obviously have a template like everybody else has of the desired numbers at each position. I think the overriding factor is you don't want to turn away a good player just to suit the numbers. You kind of structure practice accordingly to make sure there is as many good players on your roster as there possibly could be."
View photos of outside linebacker Markus Golden.
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) reacts against the Chicago Bears during an NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during a preseason week 2 game against the Chicago Bears at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during a preseason week 2 game against the Chicago Bears at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants LB Markus Golden (44) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) takes part in a week 7 regular season game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 20th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) returns a fumble for a touchdown in a week 6 regular season game against the New England Patriots on Thursday October 10th, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) returns a fumble for a touchdown during a week 6 regular season game against the New England Patriots on Thursday October 10th, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) takes part in a week 3 regular season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday September 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Markus Golden (44) celebrates over Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants LB Markus Golden (44) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) takes part in a week 2 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sunday September 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) takes part in a week 2 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sunday September 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants' Markus Golden (44) celebrates over Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) rushes the edge during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) during an NFL football game Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday December 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) during an NFL football game Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) is sacked by New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) and linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday December 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) rushes during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants defensive end B.J. Hill (95) and linebacker Markus Golden (44) sack Washington Redskins quarterback Case Keenum during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday December 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants' Markus Golden celebrates after sacking Philadelphia Eagles' Carson Wentz during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) points to Giants fans in the crowd after recording a sack during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during an NFL game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrates a sack during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrates a sack during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) plays against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) waits for the snap during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Sam Beal (23) and linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrate a sack during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 38-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin (89) blocks New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden plays against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) in action against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Images/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) makes a tackle during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday October 20, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants 35-14. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) picks up a fumble and returns it for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass, (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Markus Golden celebrates a sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) rushes against New England Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (61) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) picks up a fumble and returns it for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass, (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Markus Golden (44) celebrates a sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrates a fumble return for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass, (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) picks up a fumble and returns it for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass, (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) picks up a fumble and returns it for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass, (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) rushes during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday October 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass, (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) gets set at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrates after a defensive play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 32-31. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) motions during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is sacked by New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) motions during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) gets taken down by New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) looks on during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden (44) during a preseason week 2 game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, August 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
