The Cardinals have placed EDGE Markus Golden on the COVID list. That should knock him out of contention for Week 17 IDP lineups.

The Cardinals have agreed to a 2-year, $9 million deal with EDGE Markus Golden, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Golden originally broke through with 12.5 sacks for the Cardinals back in 2016 and then made his way back to Arizona last season after a year and a half with the Giants. He supplied 14 QB hits across 9 contests with the 2020 Cardinals and should be a favorite to land at least a top-3 spot in the 2021 edge rotation.

OLB Markus Golden has reached a 1-year deal to join the Giants. He reunites with DC James Bettcher, who spent 3 seasons piloting the Arizona defense. Golden tallied 16.5 sacks over his 1st 2 seasons with the Cardinals -- including 12.5, plus 4 forced fumbles, in 2016 -- before tearing his right ACL early in 2017. He endured a sluggish return season while dealing with further knee trouble. This looks like a "prove it" deal, and Golden should get a chance at winning a starting job or at least a prominent spot in the Giants' EDGE rotation. The team traded away OLB Olivier Vernon, leaving 2018 rookie Lorenzo Carter and Kareem Martin as the top returnees at the position. The whole team totaled just 30 sacks last season, led by Vernon's 7. Golden as a chance to deliver spot-start value in pressure-friendly IDP leagues in 2019.

Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson (illness) is active for today's game against the Rams. He's not a strong IDP option but is available if he's been in your plans. DE Markus Golden (ankle) is inactive.

Cardinals DE Markus Golden (knee) and DT Robert Nkemdiche (foot) are active for today's game against the Vikings. Golden's not an IDP option yet, but Nkemdiche can be used in deeper leagues -- especially those with a DT-specific slot.

Cardinals DE Markus Golden (knee) and DT Robert Nkemdiche (foot) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Each guy finished the week with limited practices and could be in for Week 6. We'll check on their statuses Sunday morning. Nkemdiche would be a lower-level IDP option if available. Golden still needs to show he's all the way back from last season's ACL tear before he returns to the IDP radar.

Cardinals DT Robert Nkemdiche (foot) and DE Markus Golden (knee) are inactive for today's game against the 49ers. That hurts the team defense but doesn't remove the fantasy upside from the matchup.

Cardinals DE Markus Golden is inactive for today's game against the Rams. Golden put in limited practices all week as he works back from the ACL tear that ended his 2017 early. Golden appears to be on track for a return to game action soon, but we'll need to see his playing time and performance before trusting him in any IDP lineups.

New Cardinals HC Steve Wilks confirmed Tuesday his team will be switching to a 4-3 base defense this season, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. Wilks reportedly said a key factor in the change is allowing edge guys Chandler Jones and Markus Golden to rush the passer every down. That's the big news here for IDP owners as well. The switch should mean that we'll get DE designations for Jones and Golden in fantasy football leagues in 2018, which would dramatically increase their value. Jones, of course, led the NFL with 17 sacks last season and is no secret as a top pass rusher. Golden much more quietly racked up 12.5 sacks, 16 total tackles for loss and 22 total QB hits in 2016 before missing most of last season with a torn right ACL. He'll be a solid shot to take late in IDP drafts this summer -- especially if he gets that DL designation.

Cardinals OLB Markus Golden (hamstring) is active for today's game at Miami. He entered the day questionable and isn't a strong IDP option anyway.