Pittsburgh Steelers sign safety Robert Golden to 3-year contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers locked up one of their own free agents Monday, and that was safety Robert Golden. The team's special teams captain was signed to a 3-year contract worth $5 million dollars, per Jason La Confora of CBS Sports.

The Steelers have reached agreement with safety Robert Golden on a 3yr/$5M deal

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 7, 2016

The deal is a wise decision for the Steelers who were about to approach the free agency period with just Mike Mitchell and Shamarko Thomas as the only experienced safeties under contract. Locking up Golden does more than just add safety depth, but also keeps one of their better special teams players on the team for three more seasons.

In 2015 Golden saw the field as a safety more than he had throughout his entire rookie contract, and was used specifically in the Steelers' unique sub packages which at times saw three safeties on the field at once. Last year Golden registered 40 total tackles, 1 interception and 4 passes defended.

The move will likely mean the Steelers won't be as hard pressed to search through the free agent waters to find a safety, but could target a safety in the upcoming NFL Draft. By keeping Golden they not only keep a young safety on the team, but one who is familiar with the team's system.

NFL Free Agency beings Wednesday, March 9th.