The Steelers have re-signed safety Robert Golden, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, who tweets that the restricted free agent signed his tender to remain with the team. Because Golden was tendered at the lowest level by Pittsburgh, he’ll be in line for a $1.542MM salary in 2015.
Golden, 24, has played all but one regular season game for the Steelers since joining the club in 2012, but has yet to see significant action on defense. In those three seasons, Golden has played just 107 defensive snaps, contributing more regularly on special teams — he has 17 tackles in kick and punt coverage over the last two years.
Despite Golden’s limited contributions – and the team’s limited cap flexibility – the Steelers saw enough out of the Arizona product that they were willing to tender him a one-year contract offer. With Troy Polamalu no longer in the mix in Pittsburgh’s secondary, it’s possible Golden will see his role expanded for the 2015 season.
Assuming he earns the necessary service time this coming season, Golden will be eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2016.