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Linebacker David Mayo returning to New York Giants

After most productive season of his career, Mayo gets reported three-year deal with New York

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Philadelphia Eagles v New York Giants
David Mayo (55)
Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

White you were sleeping, or imbibing, or whatever you were doing with your Friday night the New York Giants announced that they have re-signed linebacker David Mayo. Terms were not disclosed, but multiple reports have indicated the deal is for three years.

A 2015 fifth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, Mayo, who will be 27 during the 2020 season, signed with the Giants before Week 1 after being cut by the San Francisco 49ers. Mayo spent four years in Carolina before joining the 49ers.

After starting only four games in his first four NFL seasons, Mayo replaced the injured Ryan Connelly and started 13 games for the Giants. He finished second on the team with 80 tackles (50 solo). Mayo had 2.0 sacks, five tackles for loss, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery. Those were, obviously, all career bests. He also had two special teams tackles.

Mayo is a better run than pass defender. As the Giants rebuild their defense, he figures to end up as a depth player and core special teamer.

Mayo, who would have entered free agency next week, ranks as the most senior member of the Giants’ linebacking corps.

Here is what Mayo told me last season about the opportunity he received with the Giants.

“I’ve always been trying to get to this point but I think no matter what I do I’m going to give it my all,” Mayo told me. “If it’s a backup role then that’s what I’m going to do. Most of my career has been special teams and a backup role and I just try to be the best I can be. I try to be the best special teams player I can be and I just try to improve every day.

“I think that’s the mentality you have to have in this league if you want to make a career out of it.”

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