I think it's safe to say that Steeler Nation is full of emotion after hearing the announcement of Stephon Tuitt's retirement this week. It's been since January of 2021 since Tuitt last suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a season where he finished with 11 sacks. His production has largely been missed, and even if he came back in 2022 half as good as he was in 2020, his presence would no doubt help an already stout Steelers defense.
The reasoning for Tuitt's absence over the last year and a half is more than understandable. But the timing of his decision is what seems to add more salt to the wound of Steelers fans everywhere. Tuitt was set to make $4,925,750 in 2022 according to spotrac, but his retirement comes at a time this off-season where both the 2022 NFL Draft, and many "big name" free agents have come and gone. So the question remains, did the Steelers front office know prior to June 2022 that Tuitt was calling it quits? Or were they just as surprised as the rest of the NFL community; especially after a few teammates expressed how positive they were that he would be back.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive linemen, Stephon Tuitt (#91) and Cameron Heyward (#97) begin to embrace at Heinz Field. | Steelers.com
Regardless of how we may currently feel, the fact remains, Steeler Nation must now face reality. Life after Stephon Tuitt is very real and inevitably finally here. With that said, how will Pittsburgh decide to fill the void that is Tuitt moving forward for a position that suffered mightily in 2021? Of course, names like Jordan Davis are lost to the NFL Draft, as well as high-end free agent talent like Pro Bowler, Akiem Hicks. So who is left for Pittsburgh to go after that can provide the same, if not, more value than Tuitt? Or is the simple answer that the talent is already on the current roster?
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo suggested that Ndamukong Suh might be on the Steelers' radar:
"Free agency and the draft are over, but there is one big and intriguing defensive lineman still available. Should the Steelers sign Ndamukong Suh after Stephon Tuitt's retirement?" Read more here.
Suh was drafted by the Detroit Lions out of Nebraska second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played in Detroit through 2014, while also having stints with the Miami Dolphins (2015–2017), Los Angeles Rams (2018) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-2021). He has played in two Super Bowls (LIII & LV) winning the latter, while also being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2010. He's also a 3x First Team All-Pro (2010, 2013, 2014), a 2x Second Team All-Pro (2012, 2016), and a 5x Pro Bowler (2010, 2012-2014, 2016).
Suh, now 35, might have his best days behind him, but a reliable and experienced veteran like himself might be exactly what the Steel City needs right now. Although he primarily plays the defensive tackle position, he could easily be inserted on the defensive line in a similar role that Tuitt played for eight seasons at tackle or defensive end for the black and gold.
Ndamukong Suh (#93) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during a game against the Carolina Panthers. | Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
Suh made $9,000,000 in 2021 with the Bucs, and got up to as high as $19,062,500 per year with the Dolphins from 2015-2020 in his prime. Despite his age, the amount Suh might demand from the Steelers could hinder the chances of the two sides coming to terms. This goes for a lot of free agents still available. If that might be the case, there's one option the Steelers could turn to that might have to now play quicker than expected.
Insert the Steelers 2022 third round pick: DeMarvin Leal.
"We had a very nice grade on him," said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin via Steelers.com. "The fact that he was sitting there really surprised all of us, so it was a no-brainer for us to choose him.""Really liked him as a football player," said Austin. "Really versatile. Plays multiple positions across the line. We think has an opportunity to be a good player for us. He offers us some versatility. Has the frame to get a little bit bigger. He does some things pass rush wise, run game wise, that we really like and we value here."
Leal is set to make $4,234,608 over the next four years via his rookie deal according to Over The Cap. The future of the black and gold could very much be right now as Leal could be used to play right away, similarly to how Tre Norwood stepped up in the secondary for Pittsburgh in 2021. With the likes of Chris Wormley and Isaiahh Loudermilk still on the roster, it could just come down to who does what with their allotted reps.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Isaiahh Loudermilk (#92) on the sidelines at Heinz Field in 2021. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
So, what do yinz think? Should the Steelers look to add depth via free agency? Or should they still feel comfortable and roll into the 2022 regular season with what they've already got on the current roster? Click to comment below!
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