Ex-Mizzou standout Markus Golden agrees to deal with Steelers

Golden has 47 career sacks, 130 QB hits and 11 forced fumbles in 111 games (68 starts) with Arizona (2015-18, 2020-22) and the New York Giants (2019-20).

The 2015 second-round pick out of Missouri has posted three seasons with double-digit sacks, including a career-high 12½ in 2016.

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.

Watt, the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, missed half of last season after tearing a pectoral muscle in a Week 1 win over Cincinnati. Highsmith flourished in Watt’s absence, posting a career-high 14½ sacks.

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.