Markus Golden is back in the fold for the Steelers. The veteran edge rusher re-signed with Pittsburgh on Thursday, per a team announcement. 
Golden was released by the Cardinals last offseason after a disappointing campaign. The 33-year-old recorded just 2.5 sacks in 2022 after reaching double-digits for the third time in his career the previous season. He took a one-year Steelers contract shortly after hitting free agency in the spring, weighing offers from other suitors in the process.
No assurances were made with respect to Golden’s playing time in Pittsburgh, an unsurprising acknowledgement from the Missouri alum considering the presence of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith along the edge. Golden made 16 appearances during his debut Steelers campaign, but he logged only 230 defensive snaps. Despite that limited role, he managed to post four sacks and ten QB hits.
Watt and Highsmith are still in place atop the depth chart, so Golden will likely handle a similar workload if he makes the 53-man roster out of training camp this time around. Pittsburgh did not have an experienced edge rusher aside from the starters prior to today’s Golden reunion. A veteran of 127 games, the former second-rounder will spend the coming weeks getting back up to speed with a familiar defense.
Golden started Pittsburgh’s wild-card loss with Watt out of the lineup through injury. Missed time on the latter’s part or Highsmith’s could pave the way for first-team responsibilities. For now, though, Golden will aim to secure the rotational role he held last year as he prepares for a 10th career season.
Herbig clearly had leaped him into the main backup role but the 4th spot was wiiiiide open. Nice depth piece for sure.
Golden is really underrated, it seems he always catches on as depth but makes the absolute most out of his playing time.
If you’ve ever been able to watch him, he stands out on film. High motor. I like this guy. Good for him.
He was solid as a Steeler and led by example. Happy to have him back.