Arizona Cardinals in line for a contract extension
By Andy Kwong
![CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears as Stepfan Taylor #30 of the Arizona Cardinals blocks Bryce Callahan #37 of the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field on September 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears as Stepfan Taylor #30 of the Arizona Cardinals blocks Bryce Callahan #37 of the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field on September 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fraisingzona-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F01-2F489323854-arizona-cardinals-v-chicago-bears-jpg-850x560-b9358e2aa4deb712cd05bb1d33f9072c229d3a585443075a040e1c264399fd9c.jpg)
The Arizona Cardinals are projected to have the fourth-most cap space in 2019
This gives the team the ability to re-sign a lot of their playmakers, in addition to being aggressive in free agency. Players such as Chandler Jones and Patrick Peterson were given huge paydays by the team. The question now is, who will join them?
Deone Bucannon – Linebacker
Career Statistics: 368 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 interceptions, 12 pass defensed, 6 forced fumbles
Entering his fifth year in the NFL, he has established himself as a hard-hitting playmaker on defense. Although he struggled in 2017 due to injuries, he was dominant at the “moneybacker” position in prior seasons.
He has had a heavy influence in the league as a hybrid safety/linebacker, the first of his kind. Mark Barron’s career has been rejuvenated as a result.
Bucannon entered the 2014 draft as a strong safety and, since, has exceeded expectations as a linebacker. With his role growing as a vocal and focal point of the defense, he is in line for a huge payday following the 2018 season.
Markus Golden – EDGE Rusher
Career Statistics: 93 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles
He is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered during week four of the 2017 season. He broke out during his sophomore campaign with a whopping 12.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
Like Bucannon, he struggled in the 2017 but had success in previous seasons. Him and Chandler Jones are one the more feared pass rushing duos in the NFL when healthy.
Pass rushers are hard to come by and locking up Golden on a long-term deal is certainly one of the goals of Steve Keim. But, can he return to form and stay healthy? He will be moved to his natural position as an EDGE rusher on the defensive line, with a sole focus on getting after the quarterback.
D.J. Humphries – Offensive Tackle
The first step for Humphries is to stay on the field for an entire NFL season. Durability is a big concern for him, missing 14 games the past two years.
When healthy, he is one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Without him, Cardinals’ quarterbacks are left running for cover.
The Cardinals did pick up his option, with his contract now running through 2019, worth about $9.6 million. Steve Keim and offensive line coach Ray Brown certainly like him a lot but he still has a lot to prove. Just as the Cardinals extended Chandler Jones’ contract after picking up his option, expect the team to do the same for Humphries.
David Johnson – Running Back
Career Statistics: 429 carries, 1,843 rushing yards, 122 receptions, 1,403 receiving yards, 32 total touchdowns
Johnson is the focal point of the offense. He has positional flexibility, with his ability to be both a running back and a pass catcher out of the backfield.
He led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2016 (2,118) but suffered a season-ending wrist injury in 2017. With the Cardinals’ offense shifting towards a more run-oriented style, Johnson is expected to have a heavier workload in 2018.
He has very little to prove but the expectations for him are very high. Johnson is considered, by many, to be the best running back in the league. He has a chance to be one of the highest paid running backs in NFL history.
Besides the commonality that all four Cardinals are coming off injuries, they will all have expanded roles on the team. Deone Bucannon will be a play caller and one of the leaders of the defense.
Markus Golden will have less pass coverage duties and will be rushing the passer almost every play. Offensive line coach Ray Brown has been eager to work with D.J. Humphries since his days with the Carolina Panthers.
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The Cardinals expect to feed David Johnson the ball a lot and he could shatter his 2016 record-breaking statistics. Either way, all four players are expected to receive huge contract offers whether it is by the Cardinals or other NFL teams.