The “Golden Boy” Markus Golden is coming home to Arizona
It has been a couple of years, but Markus Golden is returning to Arizona after a trade with the New York Giants was announced on Friday.
Golden was the second-round pick for Arizona in the 2015 NFL Draft. Over four seasons with the Cardinals he racked up 19 sacks, including a monster year in 2016 when he accounted for 12.5. After letting him walk after 2018, he landed in New York where he has spent the last two years, adding another 11.5 sacks to his career total of 30.5.
Golden has the daunting task of replacing the Arizona Sack King, Chandler Jones who is out for the season with a biceps injury. After a torn ACL in 2017, Golden took a step back, but a lot of his production seems to rely on scheme. Hopefully, in Vance Joseph‘s blitz-heavy defense he will return to his old rhythm.
It is unlikely Golden could truly replace the production of a Chandler Jones, but the Arizona pass rush certainly needed some help. It seems that he will line up opposite Devon Kennard and provide another veteran presence at the premium position, although the production of Haason Reddick might have something to say about that.
It is reported that Golden is coming to Arizona from New York for the low, low cost of a 2021 6th round pick. A reminder that Steve Keim, who has struggled with draft picks, has one undeniable gift as GM; the art of the trade.
After a six-day COVID-19 process, Golden will be able to join the team with his first possible game appearance being Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins. Expect him to slowly be worked into the rotation, but if the Cardinals have true postseason aspirations, the addition of another veteran pass rusher cannot be overstated in importance.