Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defender abruptly retires from the NFL

Just one week after the Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran outside linebacker Markus Golden to a one-year deal, the veteran defender has decided to retire.

The Steelers announced on Friday that Golden has been placed on the reserve/retired list, which comes just hours before Pittsburgh is set to begin its preseason against the Houston Texans.

The 33-year-old spent the 2023 campaign with the Steelers, appearing in 16 games and tallying four sacks in a backup role. Golden also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants during his nine-year career.

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

The Steelers were already at outside linebacker going into their preseason game versus the Texans, as T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith both aren't playing. Pittsburgh is expected to give 2022 third-round pick DeMarvin Leal looks at the position .