The Steelers finally have a decision on what's going to happen with Stephon Tuitt in 2022. And it's not the one they wanted.
Tuitt announced his retirement from football on Wednesday, ending any speculation regarding whether he would return following missing the entire 2021 season with a knee injury and while dealing with the loss of his brother, Richard Bartlett, in a still-unsolved hit-and-run incident last June.
"With respect to the Steelers organization, my teammates and coaches, I would like to officially announce that I have come to decision to retire from the NFL," Tuitt wrote in a statement. "I am thankful to have had the opportunity to represent the city of Pittsburgh for the past eight seasons, and am blessed to leave this game with my health. After the tragic loss of my brother, Richard, and upon completing my degree at the University of Notre Dame, I know I am being called to move beyond the sport of football. I want to thank everyone for the love and support they have shown both on and off the field, and again want to thank the Rooney Family, Coach Tomlin and the entire Pittsburgh organization. It was an honor and a privilege to play for this historic team. Go Steelers."
The Steelers had remained confident that Tuitt, 29, would return and play in 2021. Just last week, Cam Heyward said Tuitt was working out in the Indianapolis area and would be with the team next week at it's mandatory minicamp.
“I’ve talked to him,” Heyward said. “He’ll be here sooner or later. I’m not counting my sheep right now. My guys will be here. It’s really early. I’ve never had full attendance at OTAs. And I don’t expect it.”
That obviously now will not happen.
The Steelers will move on without Tuitt, a second-round draft pick in 2014, in 2022 perhaps looking for a potential replacement soon under new general manager Omar Khan.
Khan took over for Kevin Colbert last week and this could be the first big decision in his tenure.
"It want to thank Stephon for all he did for the Steelers during his eight-year career in Pittsburgh," Khan said in a statement released by the team. "His success both on and off the field speaks volumes for who he is as a person and a player. Stephon has always handled himself with class and maturity as he continues to be a great husband, father, son and family man in his personal life.
"Now that he has informed us he is retiring from football, we are all thrilled to see what he becomes as a person and professional after graduating from Notre Dame this past month. We are excited for what lies ahead in his life and will continue to support him in any way we can."
Tuitt's retirement opens up $4.925 million in salary cap space for the Steelers in 2022, enough money for the team to perhaps add a veteran replacement in free agency. The Steelers have $19.7 million in cap space according to Spotrac.
The team does, however, have internal options, as well. Veteran Chris Wormley set career highs with 51 tackles and seven sacks in 2021 filling in for Tuitt. And the team drafted Isaiahh Loudermilk in the fifth round in 2021 and DeMarvin Leal in the third round this year as potential replacements.
The Steelers also return nose tackle Tyson Alualu after he played just five quarters last season after suffering a fractured ankle in Week 2.
Wednesday marked the day players can be released by teams at a salary cap savings as they're able to split the cap hit over two seasons, so some veteran defensive linemen could become available. Players such as Ndamukong Suh, Eddie Goldman, Linval Joseph and Larry Ogunjobi remain free agents, as well.
Tuitt had his best season in 2020, recording 45 tackles and 11 sacks. He was one of just three AFC players to reach double digits in sacks that season, joining teammate T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett of the Browns.
For his career, Tuitt finishes with 245 tackles and 34.5 career sacks in 91 games, 79 of which were starts.
With an open spot on the roster, the Steelers signed linebacker Tuzar Skipper. This will be Skipper's third tour with the team. He initially signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie out of Toledo in 2019, but was signed off their practice squad by the Giants.
Skipper later re-signed with the Steelers to their practice squad that season but was waived at the end of training camp and signed by the Titans.