Giants's 2020 Draft Class gets "A" from PFF
The people at Pro Football Focus think the NFC East got a whole lot better as a result of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The analytics website handed out grades and gave the Giants an “A” for the 10-member draft class, which began with offensive tackle Andrew Thomas with the fourth overall pick. That was the good news. The bad news, if you're keeping score at home, is that two other teams in the division were in the same range. The Cowboys earned an "A+" and the Eagles got an "A-" for their respective classes. The Redskins, meanwhile, were given a "B."
Here was PFF's report card for the Giants:
[Day 1: Andrew Thomas was PFF's OT1 in this class, and a large reason why he got the nod over Tristan Wirfs and Jedrick Wills was his elite production against the best of the best in the SEC. Thomas had a 92.7 overall grade in 2019 that ranked third in the FBS among tackles, and he was one of few to perform at a top-10 level in both pass protection and as a run-blocker. As a matter of fact, Thomas' overall grade tied for the best we have ever seen from an SEC tackle with La'el Collins back in 2014. Throw in his size, strength and athleticism, and the fact that he did this in an NFL-type of scheme, and he is the best tackle in the class.
Day 2: Safety wasn't a pressing need, but when you have a guy like Xavier McKinney on the board at the 36th overall pick, you throw needs out the window and steal McKinney from everyone else. McKinney was 19th on the PFF Big Board and is easily the most versatile safety in the class. There have been only five safeties to play over 450 snaps in the box, slot and at free safety over the past two years, and only one of those five produced 70.0-plus grades at all three of those alignments — Xavier McKinney. Regardless of alignment or role, McKinney performed at a high level in each of the past two seasons, producing grades above 79.0 against the run, as a pass-rusher and in coverage.
Matt Peart was a solid pickup for the Giants at pick No. 99. He's coming off a season in which he recorded an elite 90.2 overall grade that ranked seventh in the FBS — succeeding as both a pass-protector and run-blocker. He is built like an offensive tackle you'd dream up from a size and length perspective at 6-foot-7 with 36 5/8-inch arms. The big concern with Peart is his play strength. He has to add more to his frame, and if he does that, he could become a quality NFL starter.
Day 3: New York kicked off Day 3 by making a great move and taking Darnay Holmes 110th overall. He was 86th on the PFF Big Board, and while he is short with poor arm length, he has the tools teams should have taken a chance on in the second or third round. Holmes had a down year in 2019, seeing his PFF coverage grade drop from 80.3 in 2018 to 61.8, which had a negative impact on his draft stock. But the Giants were the beneficiary of it — they got great value at a valuable position.]
To view PFF's grades for all 32 clubs, CLICK HERE.
Giants sign 10 rookie free agents, waive 6 players
The Giants yesterday made their first post-draft roster moves when they claimed one player off waivers, released six others and announced the signing of 10 rookie free agents.
The signings of the new players are contingent on the passing of physicals that will be conducted after travel restrictions are lifted.
The Giants' roster currently stands at 85 players, five under the current limit.
The newest Giant with NFL experience is safety Monte Hartage, who played in four games last season for the Miami Dolphins, including their Dec. 15 loss to the Giants in MetLife Stadium. He was credited with seven tackles (five solo), one pass defensed and one special teams tackle. Hartage, 6-0 and 190 pounds, joined the Dolphins as a rookie free agent from Northwestern on May 9, 2019. He was waived at the end of training camp and spent most of the season on the Dolphins' practice squad before joining the active roster for the first time on Nov. 30. After he was waived and did a nine-day stint on the practice squad, Hartage rejoined the roster on Dec. 14 for the rest of the season. He was released on Monday.
Hartage's defensive coordinator in Miami was Patrick Graham, who now holds the same position with the Giants.
The Giants' rookie additions are quarterback Case Cookus of Northern Arizona; wide receivers Derrick Dillon of LSU and Binjimen Victor of Ohio State; tight end Kyle Markway of South Carolina; tackle Tyler Haycraft of Louisville; defensive ends Oluwole Betiku, Jr. of Illinois and Niko Lalos of Dartmouth; linebacker Dominique Ross of North Carolina; and defensive backs Christian Angulo of Hampton and Malcolm Elmore of Central Methodist.
Those waived were tight end C.J. Conrad, center Tanner Volson, defensive back Derrick Baity, punter Sean Smith and long snappers Colin Holba and Drew Scott.
View photos of every undrafted free agent signed by the Giants.
WR Austin Mack, Ohio State
DB Jaquarius Landrews, Mississippi State
DE Dana Levine, Temple
RB Javon Leake, Maryland
OT Kyle Murphy, Rhode Island
TE Kyle Markway, South Carolina
WR Binjimen Victor, Ohio State
LB Dominique Ross, UNC
WR Derrick Dillon, LSU
Michigan's Shea Patterson runs the ball as Illinois' Tony Adams (6) and Oluwole Betiku, Jr. (47) close in during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct.12, 2019, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Holly Hart)
OT Tyler Haycraft (60), Louisville
QB Case Cookus, Northern Arizona
DE Niko Lalos, Dartmouth
TE Rysen John
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) carries as Arkansas defensive back Santos Ramirez tries to tackle in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) carries against Utah State linebacker David Woodward (9) in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. LSU won 42-6. LSU won 42-6. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) in the first half during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against UCF, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) in the first half during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against UCF, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) catches a pass over the outstretched arms of Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) and runs in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) escapes the attempted tackle of Auburn defensive back Jeremiah Dinson (20) and runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
LSU wide receiver Derrick Dillon (19) scores a touchdown against UCF during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Glendale, AZ. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield gets dunked with water by offensive lineman Tyler Haycraft (60) in the final moments of the fourth quarter of Louisville's win over Mississippi State in the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Louisville won 38-28. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) catches a 19-yard pass for a touchdown in front of Florida safety Donovan Stiner (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) runs for yardage in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) runs with the ball against Vanderbilt defensive back BJ Anderson (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Vanderbilt 24-7. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
South Carolina's Kyle Markway (84) and Bailey Hart (16) celebrate after defeating Georgia 20-17 in double overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) runs for yardage as he's defended by Tennessee defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
South Carolina tight end Kyle Markway (84) holds a piece of the Sanford Stadium hedge in his teeth as he celebrates defeating Georgia 20-17 in double overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
North Carolina's Khadry Jackson (8) and Dominique Ross (3) tackle Mercer's Chris Ellington (88) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Mercer's Tyray Devezin (34) is tackled by North Carolina's Dominique Ross (3) and Tomon Fox (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
North Carolina's Dominique Ross (3) reacts after a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mercer in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor, top, celebrates his touchdown against Maryland with teammate Billy Price during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
West wide receiver Binjimen Victor, of Ohio State, (19) pulls in a touchdown pass against the East during the second half of the East West Shrine football game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Ohio State coach Ryan Day, right, celebrates with defensive tackle wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) following the team's 34-21 win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, early Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Indianapolis. AP Photo/AJ Mast)
West wide receiver Binjimen Victor, of Ohio State, (19) pulls in a touchdown pass in front of East cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, of Florida International University, (39) during the second half of the East West Shrine football game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) rushes against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. Ohio State won 56-21. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) runs during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) celebrates following the team's 34-21 win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. Ohio State won 34-21. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) runs during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) rushes against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. Ohio State won 56-21. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) fends off Wisconsin cornerback Semar Melvin (20) after making a catch during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) is tackled by Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal (45) during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) runs past Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal (45) during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor makes a catch for a touchdown against Florida Atlantic during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) congratulates wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) on scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor is tackled by Washington defensive back JoJo McIntosh during the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor is seen against Florida Atlantic during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) makes a catch during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor plays against Tulane during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) catches a pass for a touchdown as Rutgers defensive back Damon Hayes (22) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Ohio State's Binjimen Victor (9) catches a pass in front of Penn State's Amani Oruwariye (21) and runs in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Ohio State won 27-26. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)
Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor (9) catches a pass for a touchdown as Rutgers defensive back Damon Hayes (22) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor, right, tries to avoid Rutgers defensive back Damon Hayes during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Rutgers 52-3. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor runs after a catch as Michigan State linebacker Tyriq Thompson makes the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Michigan State 48-3. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Binjimen Victor, top, catches a touchdown against Illinois defensive back Frank Sumpter during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State receiver Austin Mack, right, stiff arms UNLV defensive back Dalton Baker during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (11) scores on a 16-yard touchdown reception against Michigan in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack catches a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, in Evanston, Il. Ohio State won 52-3. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Ohio State receiver Austin Mack plays against Miami (Ohio) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack is lifted after scoring on a pass from quarterback Justin Fields during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Northwestern on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Ohio State won 52-3. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (11) makes a reception, defended by Michigan defensive backs Tyree Kinnel (23) and Brandon Watson (28), in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Ohio State won 31-20. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack catches the ball during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (11) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
Ohio State receiver Austin Mack plays against Cincinnati during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack, top, makes a catch against Oklahoma defender Robert Barnes during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. Oklahoma won 31-16. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack plays in Ohio State's NCAA college football spring game Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) checks over his shoulder for the Indiana defense as he rushes the ball into the end zone to score during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-32. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA football game against Indiana, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in College Park, Md. Indiana won 34-28. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) runs against Purdue during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland running back Javon Leake runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
FILE - In this Sept. 7, 2019, file photo, Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) runs against Syracuse during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in College Park, Md. Leake was selected to The Associated Press All-Big Ten Conference team, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Will Newton, File)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) strides into the end zone to score during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-32. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) scores on a one-yard touchdown run in the second half of an NCAA football game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. Michigan 42-21. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Maryland running back Javon Leake (20) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football against Temple, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia. Temple won 20-17. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Rhode Island guard Kyle Murphy runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Rhode Island guard Kyle Murphy runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Mississippi State safety Jaquarius Landrews (11) pushes Louisville wide receiver Tutu Atwell (1) out of bounds in the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Mississippi State safety Jaquarius Landrews (11) spins as he intercepts an Abilene Christian pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Abilene Christian wide receiver Kobe Clark (88) has a pass knocked away by Mississippi State safety Jaquarius Landrews (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi State won 45-7. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi State safety Jaquarius Landrews (11) pursues Mississippi quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) cradles a pass as he is tackled by Mississippi State safety Jaquarius Landrews (11) during the first half of their NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. LSU won 36-13. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Temple defensive end Dana Levine (17) celebrates after sacking South Florida quarterback Jordan McCloud during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Giants place 'May 5 tender' on OLB Markus Golden
The New York Giants placed a "May 5 tender" on outside linebacker Markus Golden, who has not signed with a team since becoming an unrestricted free agent last month.
If he does not sign the tender, Golden retains the ability to sign with another club until July 22. After that date, he has until the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the season to sign with the Giants.
Should he sign the tender, it would be at a rate of 110 percent of his 2019 salary.
Golden, originally a second-round draft choice by Arizona in 2015, had a career-high 12.5 sacks for the Cardinals in 2016 but suffered a season-ending knee injury the following year. In all, Golden has played in 62 games with 40 starts, recording 195 tackles, 29.0 sacks, 71 quarterback hits, 39 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned 42 yards for a touchdown last season vs. New England.
Golden recorded 10.0 sacks in 2019, his first season with the team, to become the first Giants player with double-digit sacks since Jason Pierre-Paul had 12.5 in 2014 and the first Giants linebacker to accomplish the feat since Lawrence Taylor had 10.5 in 1990.
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)
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