New York Giants: Top five free agent pass rusher targets
By Ed Stein
Honorable Mention
Shaq Barrett, 26 years-old, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 19.5 sacks – He led the NFL in sacks last season with 19.5. That’s why the Bucs will likely place a “Franchise Tag” on Barrett, to keep him with Tampa in 2020.
Jadeveon Clowney 27, Seattle Seahawks, 3.0 sacks – He had an off-year, but Clowney is more than a straight pass rusher, he’s a four down player. Seattle didn’t give up the huge package they sent to Houston for Clowney last year to watch him walk away after one season in the Pacific Northwest.
Terrell Suggs, 37, Kansas City Chiefs, 6.5 sacks – At his age, Suggs will likely retire likely after the Super Bowl. But the Giants could really use him both as a situational pass rusher and a locker room leader.
5. Markus Golden, 29, New York Giants, 10 sacks
As mentioned above, Golden led the G-Men in sacks. One of the reasons New York signed him to a one year contract in 2019 was his familiarity with defensive coordinator James Betcher’s scheme. Betcher is gone, replaced by Patrick Graham on new head coach Joe Judge’s staff.
He’ll find a job for 2020 and at considerably more than the $4.75M he made (with bonuses) in 2019. It’s unsure whether or not Golden wants to come back or if he’ll fit in Graham’s system. Objectively his 10 sacks is probably the best Golden can muster at this point. If the New York Giants are looking for someone to break out he isn’t their man.
4. Vic Beasley, 29, Atlanta Falcons, 8.0 sacks
Vic Beasley could be 2020’s version of Markus Golden for the G-Men. He probably isn’t going to lead the league in sacks as he did in 2016. But he’s also better than the guy who totaled 10 sacks combined for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
In the right scheme, Beasley can be very effective. He won’t make over $12M like he pulled down last year. Not much less, but not more. Beasley could be a good value for the New York Giants on a one or two year contract and give them an upgrade over Golden.