Former NY Giants linebacker Markus Golden agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals Monday, moments after the legal tampering period began in the NFL.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Golden’s deal is a two-year pact worth $9 million.
Golden, 30, spent 1.5 seasons with the NY Giants, producing 11.5 sacks over that span, including a 10-sack campaign in 2019 after signing a one-year contract with the team. The veteran pass-rusher seemed to thrive under defensive coordinator James Bettcher, but for whatever reason, fell out of favor with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and his playing time plummeted early in the 2020 season.
Prior to last season’s trade deadline, the Giants dealt Golden back to Arizona in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft, which will be pick No. 201 overall.
Originally chosen by the Cardinals in the second-round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Golden has produced 228 total tackles, 33.5 sacks, forced seven fumbles, recovered three of them and intercepted a pass in 78 career games.
A high motor player, productive pass rusher, and respected locker room leadership presence, Golden is a key piece to the Cardinals’ defense. Last season, Golden generated 55 total pressures and logged 15 quarterback hits, while producing a 75.1 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus.
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.