The newest addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Markus Golden brings another veteran presence to an already elite Steelers defense. At 32 years old, Golden will be used as a great depth piece at the outside linebacker position. Although he spent most of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, he feels that he is now at home with the Steelers.
Emilee Chinn / Getty Images
Steelers' Markus Golden, then a Cardinal, brings down Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield knocking the ball loose during a game in 2021 in Ohio.
Steelers Starting Outside Linebackers
With the Steelers starting outside linebackers pretty well set in stone, the main focus will now be on depth. Alex Highsmith, along with T.J. Watt should be able to keep down the fort and produce many sacks for the defense. Golden is no stranger getting to the football himself as he has recorded 47 sacks throughout his career along with producing 324 total tackles. Through the many connections that Golden has with the Steelers, this could very well be a no-risk signing for Pittsburgh.
David Zalubowski / The Associated Press
Former Cardinals and Mizzou edge rusher Markus Golden, left, sacks Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien during the first half Dec. 18 in Denver.
Golden is no stranger to the way the Steelers run things. With the rich history of linebackers in the NFL, to the outstanding defense they have now, this is the perfect place for Golden to be. TribLive.com's Chris Adamski was able to record Golden talking about the history of linebackers in Pittsburgh and him mentioning how he has always been a Steelers fan.
"I've been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I love the way they do things. I actually wanted to come here when I was coming out for the draft years ago." Golden would then say, "The rich history of linebackers here flying around and making plays and I wanted to come be a part of that."
Newest Steeler Markus Golden says he’s always been a Steelers fan pic.twitter.com/LED0Vi63g9
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 30, 2023
Jeff Haynes/AP Images
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) lines up against the Green Bay Packers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz.
With Golden being the oldest linebacker on the team, I expect him to take on the leadership role and teach some of the younger guys. One player that I think will benefit the most from him is recently drafted, Nick Herbig. With Herbig only being 21, getting the opportunity to learn from some of these veteran players can be very beneficial to his future. He could potentially be the guy that takes over for Watt down the line as well. So, having someone like Golden who is happy to be in Pittsburgh and take on the role of a teacher can be the best thing for the Steelers' defense.
Tuesday, Golden got the opportunity to practice with the Steelers for the first time. Although they are just practicing and not having contact at OTAs, he is looking surprisingly quick on his feet. He is also seen wearing number 54 which was last worn by Ulysees Gilbert III in 2022. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Christopher Carter was able to capture Golden during his first practice with the Steelers.
First practice for Markus Golden with the #Steelers: pic.twitter.com/BEmSyw8Tpb
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) May 30, 2023
AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden (44) celebrates his fumble recovery against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz.
So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you excited to have Golden on the roster now? Let me know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
