OLB Markus Golden retires rather than play 2nd season for Steelers

A week after returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract, outside linebacker Markus Golden has decided to retire rather plan play a second season for the team.

The Steelers placed Golden, 33, on the reserve/retired list Friday, a few hours before they were set to kick off against the Houston Texans in their preseason opener.

Golden was set to compete with second-year linebacker Nick Herbig as the top backup option to starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Golden was the top veteran backup in 2023 when he totaled four sacks and 20 tackles in six games.

Golden spent most of his 10 NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He reached double digits in sacks three times in his career, most recently in 2021. He totaled 51 sacks in his career.

Golden’s retirement leaves former Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon and former practice squad player Kyron Johnson as the Steelers’ top options behind Herbig. Jacoby Windmon and Julius Welschof also are on the initial depth chart that coach Mike Tomlin released earlier in the week.

Golden didn’t rejoin the Steelers until Aug. 1, and he said he spent the spring and first two months of summer at home with his two young children.

“I was starting to feel like I was a little retired,” Golden said, laughing, “but it was cool to hang out with my kids.”

Golden indicated that he had a verbal agreement to return to the Steelers when they were ready to bring him to camp.

“The older you get in this league, this is year 10. … If I’m able to get a little break, then I can come in and fly around and be ready,” he said. “They kept in great contact with me. That is what I love about the Steelers: They keep in contact and let you know what is real.”