Giants LB Markus Golden Gets Holiday Payday For Corrected Stat

New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden earned a nice bonus this holiday season.

In a game against the Washington Redskins, Golden raced around the left edge on the play and sacked quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Teammate Lorenzo Carter had been holding the ankles of Haskins and the two shared the sack, resulting in a half sack stat for both. But that half sack was changed to a full sack stat for Golden, who pocketed a $1 million bonus as a result.

Golden’s deal with the Giants was a one-year, prove-it deal. Signed for $3.75 million, an additional $1 million would be added if he reached double-digit sacks. And this one against Haskins did just that.

“It’s always a goal to get double-digit sacks. If you’re rushing the passer, you want to get there, “Golden said. “It’s a status thing- 9.5 is a big difference than 10. It feels good to get it down, get it over with and, like I said, be able to put it out for my kids to be able to keep playing, keep fighting.”

Golden is the first Giants player to reach double-digit sacks since Jason Pierre-Paul in 2014.

“I earned it,” Golden added. And he also may earn another payday this offseason with his performance this season.

Giants defensive coordinator James Bettcher had nothing but praise for Golden. “For me, that one is personal because I have such a great relationship with him.” Bettcher coached Golden in Arizona and helped in get to the Giants in the offseason.

The Giants will host the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. With a win, the Giants could knock out the Eagles from first place in the NFC East and the NFL Playoffs.