KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs released safety Robert Golden Wednesday night, granting the veteran defensive back his request to find a better playing opportunity for the 2018 season.
Golden announced his departure on Twitter.
“I am no longer a Kansas City Chief,” Golden tweeted. “Although I appreciate the opportunity that organization gave me, the fit was not ideal for me. Look forward to being in a better situation here in the near future!”
Golden's agent, Jordan Woy, told ChiefsDigest.com that Golden requested his release and hopes to find a better situation. He said the Golden and team parted on good terms.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers safety signed a one-year, $790,000 free agent pact with the Chiefs in April. He played 92 games with 12 starts for the Steelers over the course of six seasons. He posted 80 tackles with two interceptions and two forced fumbles with the Steelers and came to Kansas City with a reputation as a sterling special teams player.
Yet with Eric Berry and Daniel Sorensen out with injuries this week, the Chiefs looked to younger safeties to play with the first-team defense. The selection of Armani Watts in the fourth round of this year's draft added competition. The Chiefs practiced Tuesday with third-year Eric Murray and second-year Leon McQuay playing a safeties with the first-team defense.
Golden's departure leaves the Chiefs with a lack of depth at the position Berry did not practice this week with a heel injury. Sorensen expects to miss extended time into the regular after underoing knee surgery last week. That leaves the Chiefs with Murray, McQuay, Watts and Jordan Sterns healthy for Friday's preseason game at Atlanta.
