Veteran LB Markus Golden excited for return to Steelers

LATROBE, Pa. (AP) — Veteran outside linebacker Markus Golden enjoyed an extended offseason, but he always remained ready for a possible return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers signed Golden to a one-year contract on Thursday and the 33-year-old participated in his third practice back with the team on Saturday.

“I’m just happy to be here … happy to be back with the Steelers,” Golden said. “I love playing here and I’m excited to be able to do it for another year.”

Golden, entering his 10th NFL season, was brought back to serve as depth behind star outside linebackers T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, Pittsburgh’s fourth-round pick in 2023. The Steelers finished with 47 sacks last season, 11th in the league.

“He’s just a really solid veteran,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He is low to no maintenance, good, wise counsel and was highly productive when called upon. He is just a pro.”

Golden signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh before the start of last season. He played in 16 games, recording 20 tackles, four sacks, 10 quarterback hits and six tackles for loss.

He was wasn’t re-signed after the season, but team officials remained in touch.

“That’s what I love about the Steelers, they kept in great contact with me, they said they were going to bring me in and they made it happen,” Golden said. “I appreciate that, I like this organization and I’m excited to be here. The older you get in this league, if I can get a little break, then I can come in to fly around and be ready.”

Golden spent additional time with his family during the offseason, including his 9-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter, but insisted he stayed ready for a phone call.

“My son was working out with me every day,” Golden said. “I started to feel a little retired. But it was cool to hang out with my kids a little extra and it’s even better just to get back (to Pittsburgh) and for them to be able to watch me play this year.”

Golden, Arizona’s second-round pick in 2015, has played in 127 career games with 68 starts throughout a nine-year career with Arizona, the New York Giants and Pittsburgh. Golden, who has 51 career sacks, has recorded double-digit sacks three times in his career, most recently when he had 11 with Arizona in 2021.

He’s not concerned about his position on the depth chart.

“I want to fly around and make plays,” Golden said. “That’s the type of player I am. Whatever role I get, I’ll be ready for it, just like I said last year. Camp is about competing and that’s what I came here to do.”

Highsmith also kept in touch with Golden throughout the offseason and said he’s excited to have the veteran back.

“He’s a guy that brings a lot of value to our team,” Highsmith said. “He’s someone who knows our system and has been in this league for awhile, so he knows the game. He’s a guy who was very productive for us. He’s a great guy and a great player.”