4 Steelers players who should stick around in 2024
By Tommy Jaggi
Markus Golden, EDGE
Despite a history of production when rushing the quarterback, expectations were relatively low for Markus Golden in 2023. Golden signed as a 32-year-old, and what little athletic traits he possessed were waning by this stage of his career.
But despite all of the factors he had working against him (lack of speed, short and compact frame, age, etc.) Golden still proved to be a quality football player when his number was called. This is a player who likely benefited from a reduced role in 2023.
After combining for over 1,400 snaps in 2021 and 2022 on the Arizona Cardinals, Golden saw that number drop to just 230 snaps in 2023 in Pittsburgh. If you ask Golden, I'm sure he would tell you that he always wants to be on the field. However, the reduced role may have given him the time off he needed to go full speed on each play.
Golden turns 33 years old as soon as the 2024 free agency period begins, but the Steelers shouldn't let his age scare them away from signing him -- even if it's only to a one-year contract. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will continue to see a bulk of the work with standout rookie Nick Herbig likely seeing an increased workload in Year 2, but Pittsburgh should find a place for Markus Golden on the roster in 2024.