Steelers sign veteran linebacker Markus Golden to 1-year deal
Markus Golden was drafted in 2nd round of the 2015 NFL draft
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Pittsburgh Steelers signed former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden to a one-year contract on Wednesday, giving them some depth behind star edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
The 32-year-old Golden has spent most of his eight seasons in the NFL with Arizona, racking up 47 sacks in 111 games with the Cardinals and New York Giants.
SUPER BOWL CHAMP UNHAPPY WITH BEN ROETHLISBERGER'S REMARKS ON KENNY PICKETT: ‘THATS WHACK’
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during an NFL Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Golden had 2 1/2 sacks last year for Arizona while finishing with 48 tackles, tied for the third-highest total in his career.
The Steelers need help at outside linebacker after fortifying inside linebacker in free agency by bringing in Cole Holcomb from Washington and Elandon Roberts from New England.
Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals runs on the field against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 16, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. Tom Hauck/Getty Images (Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Watt, the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, missed half the season in 2022 after tearing a pectoral muscle in a Week 1 win over Cincinnati. Highsmith flourished in Watt’s absence, posting a career-high 14 1/2 sacks.
Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals takes the field prior to an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Los Angeles Rams won 20-12. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Steelers are committed to keeping Highsmith, who is entering the final year of his contract, over the long term. Golden gives them some depth in the short term for a team that needs experienced players to help keep Watt and Highsmith fresh later in the season.