Arizona Cardinals: Grading big free agent additions so far

Markus Golden, OLB (Arizona Cardinals)

Grade: A

The Cardinals brought back former 2015 second round pick Markus Golden via trade in 2020 after he spent a season and a half with the New York Giants. Golden spent the first four years in Arizona before signing with the Giants in free agency and was subsequently traded back for a sixth-round pick. He chose to stay in Arizona on a two-year, $5 million contract with a reported $2,500,000 guaranteed.

Golden had the best season of his career in 2016 with 12.5 sacks and nearly matched the total with 10 sacks in 2019 and he generally makes an impact when he is on the field for at least 70 percent of the team’s snaps. He likely won’t get that same level of opportunity but if he is rushing the passer at the same time as Chandler Jones and JJ Watt he should have plenty of chances to make an impact while being blocked one on one.

The going rate for a designated pass rusher who can also play off ball linebacker is generally more than the deal Golden signed and this is more good business by the Arizona front office. The veteran can also step in as a competent starter if Watt’s pesky injury issues return and the value of having a solid backup can’t be overstated.

Arizona is making plenty of smart moves and the addition of Golden, a player with double-digit sack potential, at $2.5 million per year is another great addition to the defense.