Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Giants should rush to extend promising linebacker in contract year

Originally posted on Empire Sports Media
By Anthony Rivardo | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 4:10 PM ET

The New York Giants’ 2022 NFL Draft class will be up for extensions next offseason as they each enter the final year of their rookie contracts.

Among the group is former fifth-round pick Micah McFadden. The 25-year-old linebacker should be a top candidate for a contract extension as he prepares for his fourth season in the league.

Micah McFadden has become an important piece of the Giants’ defense

McFadden has quietly and quickly established himself as a foundational building block in the Giants’ defense. He has improved every season of his career and is coming off a solid campaign as one of the team’s two starting linebackers.

Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

In 2024, McFadden set a new career high with 107 combined tackles across 14 games. He also added eight tackles for loss and three sacks.

Veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke missed time last season due to an injury, leaving big shoes for McFadden to fill. However, filled them he did, and he did so quite well.

The Giants should extend McFadden sooner than later

Considering the upward trajectory of McFadden’s career, the Giants would be wise to extend him sooner, rather than later.

McFadden has improved (and subsequently boosted his value) in every season of his career thus far. Assuming he does that again in 2025, by the time free agency rolls around in 2026, McFadden’s price tag might exceed the Giants’ budget.