Steelers' Mike Tomlin Explains Why Markus Golden Likely Made The Best Decision For Himself

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to find their fourth outside linebacker this training camp. With Nick Herbig ready to take on more responsibility in year two, they still need someone behind him. The Steelers' solution was to call a familiar face in Markus Golden. 

On August 2nd, the Steelers re-signed the veteran Golden to a one-year contract. Before Pittsburgh's first preseason game against the Houston Texans, the Steelers added him to the Reserve/Retired list. After their 20-12 preseason opener, Mike Tomlin was asked about Golden's retirement by the media.

"I've got nothing to add there. Football's a challenging job, man. You got to be all in on it. If you're not, he probably made the best decision."

Golden was a solid contributor for Pittsburgh last season, posting four sacks, six tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, and added a fumble recovery. A player that is already familiar with the Steelers' defense, he would have a leg up over guys like Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson, and Jacoby Windmon for that fourth spot on the depth chart. 

When Golden spoke at training camp when he signed back with the Steelers, he seemed very excited to get back to work for Pittsburgh. Unfortunately at the age of 33, his body might not be able to keep up with the abuse of battling with offensive linemen like it used to. There is no official word on why he abruptly retired, but there is obviously no hard feelings between him and Tomlin. 

With the retirement of Golden, the Steelers are back to square one when it comes to finding their fourth outside linebacker. They have multiple of options to choice from. Moon finished the first preseason game with six total tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. Windmon, who is fighting for a roster spot as well, had an impressive night with four total tackles and a pass breakup. Johnson also was flying around the field, finishing with three total tackles and adding a tackle for loss also. The Steelers also moved DeMarvin Leal to the outside linebacker position earlier this week in an attempt to maximize his production. He was able to get a sack vs. the Texans.

Golden had a great career in the NFL. He played for the Arizona Cardinals in his first four seasons. In 2019, he would sign with the New York Giants, but would be traded back to the Cardinals after just starting one game with the Giants through seven games. He would play two more years with the Cardinals and then would sign with the Steelers for the 2023 season. He finished his career with 343 total tackles, 51 sacks and 68 tackles for loss. He added 140 quarterback hits, had 11 forced fumbles, and an interception during his nine-year career in the league.

There is still plenty of time for the Steelers to find their fourth outside linebacker with two more preseason games left. There is still some veteran talent available, like Tyus Bowser and Anthony Barr. There are many different avenues the Steelers can go, but most likely a decision will not be made until watching the film from the first preseason game.

The Steelers Have Time And Options To Find Their Fourth Outside Linebacker

Golden's retirement is a big loss for the Steelers' depth at the outside linebacker position. Luckily for them, much of their young talent will be licking their chops at the opportunity to earn that spot with no clear favorite to take it at the moment. Golden's decision came as a shock to Steelers fans, but there doesn't seem to be any ill will between him and the organization. The big question now for the Steelers is who is going to step into the fourth outside linebacker position? There will be plenty of eyes on the current players competing for the spot next week at training camp. 

What do you think the Steelers will do at the position? Let us know in the comments below.

#SteelerNation