David

Mayo

Mayo appeared in 13 games in 2022, three of which were starts. He logged 35 tackles, two TFLs, and one sack. Mayo is also a strong contributor on special teams, logging at least 200 special teams snaps in each of his eight pro seasons.

Primarily a special teams player, Mayo played in 16 games for Washington in 2021 and started four games at linebacker when the team struggled through injuries and a COVID-19 outbreak.

Released by the G-Men in a cap-saving move earlier this month, Mayo will operate as a core special teamer while fighting for snaps on defense.

Signed in 2019, Mayo had two seasons as a part-timer in New York. The 2015 fifth-rounder has proven to be a liability in coverage and will battle for a final roster spot this offseason. His years of experience on special teams elevate his odds of sticking on a roster in 2021. The Giants saved $2.3 million by releasing him.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Mayo is expected to miss around three weeks of action since the surgery is not a full repair of the meniscus. He’s very much in doubt for the Giants’ opener against the Steelers. Mayo’s loss is another blow for the Giants’ defense, which lost rookie S Xavier McKinney to foot surgery. Mayo was second on the team in tackles last season. The Giants are now dangerously thin at linebacker, with 2019 fifth-round pick Ryan Connelly now potentially entering the starting lineup.

Mayo signed a two-year deal with the 49ers last March but couldn’t crack the squad coming out of training camp. He ended up in New York before Week 1 and went on to start 13 games, earning surprisingly strong marks from Pro Football Focus. At times a two-down run thumper, Mayo also had some games where he served in an every-down capacity. Mayo had made just four career starts before 2019. 2020 will be his age-27 campaign.

He’ll take the roster spot vacated by fellow linebacker B.J. Goodson, who the Giants decided to waive on Monday. Mayo, who became available after the Niners cut him over the weekend, has a history with Dave Gettleman, who served as GM for much of his Panthers tenure. He’ll see most of his work on special teams.

Sparsely used on defense in Carolina, Mayo will try to establish himself as a core special teamer in San Francisco.

Mayo played over 67 percent of special teams snaps last season. The surgery comes at a bad time with him headed to free agency, but Mayo is expected to make a full recovery. 25-year-old Mayo is a decent bet to re-sign with the Panthers.

Mayo recorded the second-most tackles in college football last year with 154. With Luke Kuechly starting at inside linebacker, Mayo’s best chance to see the field this season will be to carve a role for himself on special teams.