Report: Markus Golden likely hitting free-agent market

According to Matt Verderame of FanSided, Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden is expected to hit the open market in free agency.

In 2016, Markus Golden looked primed to be a star for the Arizona Cardinals as an edge rusher. Now, it appears the former second-round selection out of Missouri could be testing the free-agency waters.

FanSided’s Matt Verderame is reporting that his source believes Golden will hit the open market. Golden, 27, could still re-sign with the Cardinals after that point, but they will have to present the top offer.

According to Verderame, the biggest factors in the team’s decision include a strong incoming class of pass rushers as well as the substantial money already committed to Chandler Jones.

Golden was a breakout sensation in 2016 when he registered 51 tackles and 12.5 sacks. This came in his first season working opposite Jones, who the Cards acquired in a trade that offseason from the New England Patriots.

The 260-pound pass rusher was unable to replicate his success the next season as he managed to play in just four games before a torn ACL shut him down for the year. Golden came back in 2018, but wasn’t 100 percent and finished the year with just 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

In addition to coming back from a major injury, Golden was moving to a defensive end position in Steve Wilks 4-3 defense after playing outside linebacker in the 3-4 system ran prior to Wilks’ arrival.

As Verderame mentioned, the Cards do owe a lot of money already to Jones. In 2017, they gave him a massive $82.5 million extension that will be handed out over five seasons.

Arizona also owns the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Many mock drafts have them landing Ohio State’s Nick Bosa, which would give them one of the best edge-rushing duos in the NFL.