Markus Golden, linebacker, Arizona Cardinals
Golden was selected 58th overall in the same draft class as Johnson, whom we mentioned earlier. So, like Johnson, he is two years into a rookie deal that pays him a grand total of $3.918 million.
That’s less than one million a year. Golden recorded 12.5 sacks in 2016. Those dozen and one-half sacks tied him for third-best in this stat last season. Golden also had four forced fumbles and 51 combined tackles along the way.
https://twitter.com/YotesHereToStay/status/815683915583062016
It is certainly not too early to envision Golden hoping for a grand deal considering his vast contributions. And if he continues to excel and keeps playing at a high level, Golden will indeed be up for a large payday once his rookie deal winds down. The Cardinals’ defense ranked No. 2 last year. Keeping Golden aboard long-term would be a great plan.