NFL Free Agency: Pittsburgh Steelers' Markus Golden to Atlanta Falcons?

Markus Golden could be an option for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

Jeremy Brener | Apr 13, 2024

Oct 29, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Markus Golden (44) / Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

The Atlanta Falcons are in need of some pass rush either from this month's NFL Draft, free agency, or both.

Among the possible options for the Falcons is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Markus Golden, who was linked to the team in a recent article by Bleacher Report.

Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Markus Golden (44) warms / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

"Bargains don't need to become surprise every-down stars. The best production of Markus Golden's career is likely in the past, yet he can still be an effective pass-rusher. Last season, he only played 22 percent of snaps in Pittsburgh," Bleacher Report writes. "He managed four sacks—and a fifth in the postseason—showing he can offer valuable depth at a particularly vital position. Now, the main question is whether Golden wants to prioritize playing time or a playoff run. If the former, the Denver Broncos are an appealing spot; if the latter, the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins are among the several landing spots that make sense. Consider it a suspicion that the 33-year-old—one with four career playoff games—will be eyeing a Super Bowl."

Golden certainly isn't the answer by himself. The team will need a pass rusher or two in the NFL Draft in two weeks, but adding a player like Golden can give the team a veteran to count on. If the Falcons had Golden in the mix, it gives them someone who can mentor the younger players and provide depth for a position of need.

Published Apr 13, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.