Markus Golden’s return to the Arizona Cardinals seems doubtful

With the Arizona Cardinals signing Brooks Reed to a one-year deal, it seems that they are preparing for the departure of Markus Golden.

Based on the high-demand of pass rushers in the NFL, there will be a lot of suitors and interest for Golden’s services.

But coming off a disappointing season where his effectiveness was hindered by his 2017 ACL tear, he’ll likely be given a one-year prove-it contract in free agency.

Golden’s 2016 breakout performance, where he set career-highs in tackles (51), sacks (12.5), and forced fumbles (4), could be enough to warrant a hefty one-year contract offer from any team.

This doesn’t mean the Cardinals won’t make an attempt to bring him back but, instead, it makes his return more unlikely.

Do they see him as a depth player or a starter?

Reed was signed with an expectation for him to be a depth player. He was most productive as a 3-4 outside linebacker with the Houston Texans, where he had 14.5 total sacks in his four years there.

If Golden is brought back to be a starter, there will be draft implications here where Nick Bosa might not be the no. 1 overall pick in April after all.

Markus Golden wants to be back and the Cardinals share the same interest.

Let’s see what happens.