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Steelers Free Agency: Defensive Backs

By Kim Myers

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and defensive back Brandon Boykin (25) celebrate after a defensive stop against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and defensive back Brandon Boykin (25) celebrate after a defensive stop against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Robert Golden, SS

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Robert Golden (21) celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (not pictured) during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Robert Golden (21) celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (not pictured) during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Robert Golden is another safety that leapfrogged Shamarko Thomas on the depth chart to see some of the defensive snaps in the 2015 regular season. Golden was primarily a special teams contributor, even being named special teams captain the last two seasons.

Golden was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2012 out of Arizona. The 2015 was by far his most productive season of his career with 40 tackles and an interception. In his four seasons with the Steelers he hasn’t produced the greatest compilation of statistics but he clearly has made enough of an impact to be named captain for the last two seasons.

The Steelers need a clear upgrade at the strong safety position about as badly as they need an upgrade in the cornerback position. I’m not sold that Golden is an upgrade as much as he was just available to fill in for an injured Will Allen for a few games this season because of the under-performing Thomas.

If the Steelers are steering away from Allen then re-signing Golden would be a smart move as long as they find a better option for starting strong safety. Golden can be counted on for special teams and to provide depth at the safety position if necessary.

Next: Steelers draft options at tight end

There’s no question that the Steelers need some work done in this unit; the question is can they get it done?

What do you think the Steelers should do with their in-house free agent defensive backs?

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