Pittsburgh Steelers reunite with underrated pass rusher following injuries at the position

The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back a familiar face in the edge group following two injuries that occurred in yesterday's practice .

Per the team, Pittsburgh has signed veteran pass rusher Markus Golden, releasing LB David Perales who was lost to a knee injury yesterday.

Perales is likely to clear waivers and return to the team on the injured reserve, following yet another roster move from GM Omar Khan.

Golden Back in Black

The Steelers signed linebacker Markus Golden to a one-year contract.

Golden, who will be entering his 10th year in the NFL, was signed by the Steelers last offseason. He finished the 2023 season with 20 tackles, 14 of them solo stops, four sacks, six tackles for a loss, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery. His four sacks ranked third on the team behind fellow outside linebackers T.J. Watt (19) and Alex Highsmith (7).

Golden played in 16 games, as well as starting the team's AFC Wild Card game with Watt out injured. - Teresa Varley, Steelers

Golden is not only a depth piece and veteran presence in a room that was top-heavy with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and second-year player Nick Herbig, but he's a real threat as a designated pass rusher, even at this point of his career.

"I just love to compete," said Golden at the end of the 2023 season. "When you have been playing something since you were a kid, if you really love it like you did as a kid, it never leaves. That's how I look at it. I have been loving ball since I was a kid, being able to play it now as a man, I still have that same feeling in my heart...

"...I make sure I have fun. No matter what, I make sure I have fun. I love playing for Mike T. I love working hard and playing football, so I fit right in."

If all goes to plan, Golden won't see many starting reps outside of the preseason, but if there is one position you can never have too many of in the NFL, it's pass rushers.

With Nick Herbig expected to take the next step in his development and T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in the middle of their prime, Golden may be the elder statesman, but he helps form one of the best pass-rushing rotations in the league after this move.

Related: Steelers Training Camp Takeaways: Massive fight breaks out, Russell Wilson still can't throw in team period