Veteran outside linebacker Markus Golden signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, returning to the team with which he spent his ninth NFL season in 2023.
Golden, 33, served as the top backup to the T.J. Watt-Alex Highsmith edge rusher duo last season. The Steelers entered this camp with second-year Nick Herbig prepared to ascend to that spot but still needed depth. First-year outside linebacker David Perales left Wednesday’s practice because of an apparent knee injury, and he was waived/injured in the corresponding move to sign Golden.
Golden has 51 sacks and 11 forced fumbles over 127 games, the majority of which spent with the Arizona Cardinals over two stints. He also played 23 games for the New York Giants in addition to 16 last year with the Steelers. He started the playoff loss in Buffalo when Watt was out because of injury.
“He is just a really solid veteran,” Tomlin said. “He is low to no maintenance, he is a pro. Good, wise counsel, and was highly productive when called upon.”
Golden had four sacks and 20 tackles (14 solo, six for loss), a batted-down pass and a fumble recovery over 230 defensive snaps played for the Steelers in 2023. Watt and Highsmith each played all 17 regular-season games last season.
The Steelers also have Jeremiah Moon, Jacoby Windmon, Kyron Johnson and Germany native Julius Welschof at outside linebacker.
