Linebacker Micah McFadden returning to Giants; what it means for New York

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Micah McFadden | Getty Images

Micah McFadden, who missed all but a handful of snaps last season due to a Week 1 Lisfranc injury, is returning to the New York Giants. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post was first with the news that the Giants’ 2022 fifth-round pick will return on a one-year deal.

Per Jordan Ranaan of ESPN reports that the deal is for $3.75 million, with the chance for McFadden to earn as much as $5.75 million.

What it means for the Giants​

McFadden emerged as a capable but not spectacular starting linebacker over the course of the 2023 and 2024, when he had 101 and 107 tackles respectively while starting 28 of the 30 games in which he played.

McFadden might have been headed toward a lucrative multi-year deal in free agency, but a Week 1 injury that ended his season also ended his bid for a big-money deal.

Entering free agency, the Giants needed to address the off-ball linebacker spot. After releasing Bobby Okereke, they had no starting-caliber off-ball linebackers on the roster.

After signing McFadden and free agent linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, the Giants now have two capable run-stopping off-ball linebackers in their front seven.

Signing McFadden should not preclude the Giants from selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 5 in the 2026 NFL Draft should that be what they want to do. It gives them coverage if they don’t add a young linebacker in the draft, and depth if they do.

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