The Pittsburgh Steelers have to add to the defensive line room after news broke that Stephon Tuitt retired from the NFL on Wednesday. I have a feeling that the Steelers knew this was coming for a little while now, because prior to Tuitt's announcement, it was reported that the team was going to bring in a couple of guys for workouts.
One guy isn't going to replace the production we last saw when Tuitt was on the field, it's just not that easy to find a player like that, especially this late in free agency. However, the Steelers should still add a defensive lineman to come in and compete for the spot with veteran Chris Wormley, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and rookie DE DeMarvin Leal.
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo (95) reacts against the Dallas Cowboys in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Odenigbo is still under 30, has posted 10.5 career sacks, 72 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 31 QB hits, and he's even scored a defensive touchdown. In fact, the Steelers might be on the verge of signing him in the next couple of days. He was listed as one of the players the team is reportedly bringing in for a workout.
The Steelers are working out several pass rushers, per sources - Wyatt Ray, Ifeadi Odenigbo and Trent Harris. Pittsburgh should have a roster spot open after a release last week and could sign one of these three.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 1, 2022
In this Sept. 22, 2019, file photo, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates after a sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Minneapolis. Minnesota's four-time Pro Bowl pick has 74 1/2 career sacks, including 26 1/2 the past three seasons, but he exercised his option to void the remaining three years on his contract. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)
Griffen, 34, is a player on the back 9 of his career, but would be capable of producing to help fill the void if Tuitt doesn’t make his return. Griffin spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings, as he did the first 10 years of his NFL career, before splitting 2020 between the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. Griffen finished 2021 with 5 sacks, 15 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits in 9 game appearances.
Jeff Bottari/AP
Nassib's best year came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018. That year, he posted 6.5 sacks, 29 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2 passes defensed, and 14 QB hits. Even, if he's four years removed from these numbers, Nassib would still be great competition to add to the room.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) runs onto the field for an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)AP
Lotulelei, 32, has spent time with the Carolina Panthers and most recently the Buffalo Bills. With the Steelers, he would obviously be a 3-4 defensive end/tackle. No pun intended, but Lotulelei, was a star in this league during his prime. He's been a force against the run for a long time. Even though he's on the wrong side of 30, he would give the Steelers a year to get Leal acclimated to eventually take on the starting role. He would provide another great veteran presence for Leal and other young defenders to learn from. He's posted in his career, 16.5 sacks, 194 combined tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 30 QB hits, and 7 passes defensed.
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Goldman, 28, has played nose tackle for the Chicago Bears for his entire career. However, in the Steelers' 3-4 defense, Goldman, like Lotulelei, would most likely shift to a defensive end/tackle position as well. He has the capability and the tangibles to do so. He's extremely athletic for a 325 pound man and knows a thing or two about getting to the quarterback. Goldman, in his career, has posted 13 career sacks, 175 combined tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 21 QB hits.
What do you think of these potential free agent replacements for Stephon Tuitt? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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