The New York Giants elected to place a rare unrestricted free-agent tender on outside linebacker Markus Golden, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.
The "May 5" tender still allows Golden to negotiate a deal with other teams. The Giants would not receive any compensation if he signed elsewhere, but Golden would count toward the 2021 compensatory pick formula if he signed with another team.
If Golden remains unsigned past July 22 (or the start of training camp), he could play for only the Giants this season. The team would maintain the pass-rusher's exclusive rights at 110% of his previous compensation package, which is $5.225-million.
This at least sets the market for Golden to find a more lucrative offer after he finished with 10 sacks last season.
The most notable recent use of the "May 5" tender was by the New England Patriots on running back LeGarrette Blount—remember him—back in 2017. Blount eventually signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Source: ESPN