The Steelers have several notable All-Pros on their team, but here are four players who could have a chance to earn this honor for the first time in 2021.
The Steelers have some very well-established players on their roster right now. After going through a short drought on star defensive players after Troy Polamalu and James Harrison, the team found T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick in recent years – two perennial All-Pros. Likewise, Cameron Heyward established himself as one of the league’s best defensive linemen late in his NFL career.
However, the Steelers have some players who seem to be on the verge of breaking out but haven’t quite earned the NFL’s top honors yet. Becoming an All-Pro football player is something that most guys can only dream of, but for a select few, this becomes a reality. Here are four Pittsburgh Steelers who could potentially become first-time All-Pros in 2021:
IDL Stephon Tuitt
Of the players on this list, Stephon Tuitt is probably the closest to earning All-Pro honors in 2021. In fact, many argue that he should have been named an All-Pro for his efforts last season. In 2020, Tuitt broke out with 11.0 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, 25 quarterback hits, and 36 pressures in just 15 games, according to Pro Football Reference. Yet despite being one of the most productive interior defensive linemen in the league, he not only missed out on All-Pro honors but the Pro Bowl as well.
Now Tuitt will be back with a vengeance. After really making his presence felt over the past two seasons when healthy, he will try to earn more recognition in 2020. If you recall, Cameron Heyward didn’t make a single Pro Bowl or All-Pro before the age of 28. Tuitt turned 28 this May. It’s time for his moment in the spotlight, and I think he could very well earn All-Pro honors for the first time in 2021.