BREAK: Saints Pursuing $22 Million Free Agent shocking deal
Nine-year NFL veteran edge defender Markus Golden, though not the most renowned name in free agency, stands poised to secure a new team in the NFL in the near future. Now in his 33rd year, Golden spent the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, primarily in a backup capacity. Despite playing just 209 snaps, he made a significant impact, tallying four sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and an impressive 86.5 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), a mark that would have ranked him 16th in the league had he met the snap threshold for qualification.
Golden’s notable PFF grade is partly a result of his limited playing time. Pittsburgh strategically deployed him, allowing him to maximize his strengths. While Golden may not sustain such high performance in a full-time starting role, he can still be effective in a more specialized capacity. Almost every team could benefit from adding a player capable of pressuring the quarterback on critical downs, but the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints appear particularly fitting as potential landing spots for him.
Ravens, Saints Could Pursue Free Agent Markus Golden
The financially constrained Baltimore Ravens faced significant losses in free agency, with former top pick Jadeveon Clowney being one of the most notable departures. Despite not being in his prime, Clowney showcased his prowess as an effective pass rusher during his brief stint with the Ravens. His impressive performance landed him a lucrative two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, leaving a void in Baltimore’s roster. However, signing Markus Golden as a cost-efficient replacement could be a viable solution for the Ravens.
While Golden may not replicate Clowney’s output singlehandedly, he doesn’t need to. With former first-round selection Odafe Oweh poised to take on the starting role, early reports from training camp indicate his readiness for the challenge. Rather than seeking another starter, the Ravens require additional depth to fortify their already formidable pass rush. Golden excelled in a similar capacity last season, making him an ideal candidate to ensure the defense maintains its status among the league’s best.
Uncertainty In New Orleans
In what’s become somewhat of a yearly ritual, New Orleans has once again restructured several contracts to delay the need for a major rebuild. While this approach ensures they won’t land a top-five draft pick, it also means they’ll consistently lack the financial flexibility to pursue top-tier talent in free agency. On paper, the Saints boast two dependable edge rushers in Chase Young and Cameron Jordan. However, both players carry significant uncertainties, and adding a seasoned veteran like Markus Golden could bring some much-needed stability to the position group.
Jordan’s recent performance marked his least productive season since his rookie year. Despite starting all 17 games, the former first-round pick managed just two sacks and six quarterback hits in the 2023 season. Was his diminished output solely due to injury, or is age beginning to catch up with the 13-year veteran? Meanwhile, Young has displayed inconsistency throughout his career and is currently recuperating from an injury of his own. While there’s undeniable potential in this unit, there’s also a troublingly low floor. Golden’s addition could mitigate this instability, ideally slotting in as the team’s third edge rusher on passing downs.