markus golden

Who will replace Olivier Vernon as the main pass rushing outside linebacker for the New York Giants? That question has been asked by many and there’s not a clear answer yet. Lorenzo Carter, Markus Golden, and rookie Oshane Ximenes are all candidates in that discussion, and whether or not someone steps up and produces for the pass rush will be a major factor in whether or not the Giants defense bounces back from a bad year.

But despite having a down year and only picking up 2.5 sacks in 2018 while coming back from an ACL tear that happened the season prior, Golden is confident in being that player.

“I’m hunting. I feel good. I feel like myself again,” Golden told the New York Daily News. Golden also claimed that if he didn’t think he could bounce back from his performances last year, he wouldn’t be in the league right now.

“I would retire if I didn’t feel like that. As hard as I work every day, to make sure I can put myself in that position. So of course you want to feel like that. I know I can help the team … I don’t have no doubt [I can do that] at all. That’s why I wake up and work hard,” Golden continued.

Golden’s last good season was 2016, the same year when the Giants last made the playoffs. During that season, Golden had 12.5 sacks and forced four fumbles. Those kinds of numbers would offer a big improvement to a Giants defense that nearly finished last in sacks last season, and if both Golden and Lorenzo Carter can step their game up together, the Giants might just climb out of the league basement in this category.

Golden has big expectations coming into a defense that has a desperate need for sacks, but at 28, Golden could still be considered a player in his prime – and has a lot to gain from returning to his 2016 form with the Giants.

The New York Giants didn’t do much to address the defensive line in regard to pass rushers this past offseason. They drafted Dexter Lawrence with the 17th overall pick hoping he can supplement that lack of talent at the position, but the reality is, Lawrence isn’t much of a pass-rush specialist, more a run-stopping cog.

Who else did the New York Giants bring in?

They drafted the first player ever to come out of Old Dominion, Oshane Ximines, and while he’s talented, there’s plenty of room for improvement coming from a bottom-tier school. However, the front-office had him graded as a second-round prospect, a bit high for my likings.

In addition, they have Lorenzo Carter going into his second year as a key outside linebacker in James Bettcher’s 3-4 scheme. They also signed former Arizona Cardinal, Markus Golden, who’s my underdog of the year for the edge-rushers.

Golden is three years removed from a 12.5 sack season (pro football reference). The 6’3″, 260-pound defender is finally at full health and preparing to return to his former self. He only played in 4 games during the 2017 season and 11 in ’18. He has recorded just 2.5 sacks in two seasons, yet I feel he can be an impact player for the Giants this upcoming season.

Signed to a one-year, $4.75 deal, the Giants invested nicely in the four-year veteran. Bettcher coached Golden is his breakout year two years ago, and they’re hoping to replicate his stellar performance. Not only does Golden have solid attributes and skills, but he’s also a bright light in the locker room and provides a positive atmosphere for his teammates.

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Bettcher stated in regard to Golden, “He plays exceptionally hard,” is “relentless.” The Giants are investing not just money, but confidence in the veteran. Trading away Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns opens up a big hole that must be filled by equal talent. At the very least, Golden will be on the field while Vernon would’ve missed 7 games due to injury.

It ultimately comes down to health with Golden to maximize his production. He seems to have shaken off his knee brace and can play at a high level once again, or so we hope.