While the Steelers will focus on rebuilding their roster this offseason, it seems as though these five players will be given a second chance on the roster.
The NFL is all about second chances, as some players suffer a bad season or stretch of games only to rebound in a new setting. While there were plenty of Steelers players that disappointed in 2021, there are some that are deserving of, or at least seemingly will, be given a second chance on this roster. Here are five players that the Steelers are set to give a second chance to in 2022.
A second chance for Steelers Tuitt
One of the most disappointing names on the roster last season and it wasn’t due to his play on the field. Instead, it was the fact that Stephon Tuitt never even got to see the field in 2021. He suffered the tragic loss of his brother in the offseason and then had a leg injury pop up early that sent him to injured reserve. That is where he stayed all season as he never got activated after that.
The question now is will Tuitt be back? Signs are beginning to point towards yes, as the team is at least open to bringing the veteran back. It seems like the ball will be in his court as if he wants to play, he already has a home with the Steelers. Assuming he doesn’t retire, Tuitt should be donning the black and gold once again.
This is undoubtedly the correct move, as a healthy Tuitt across from Cameron Heyward makes this defensive line almost unstoppable. He was the best member of that unit in 2020, which is some high praise considering he played alongside Tyson Alualu and Heyward. Assuming he is in the right mental spot to play, Tuitt is well worth the second chance in 2022.
A second chance for Steelers Pierre
A name seemingly forgotten about by most of the fanbase, James Pierre failed to live up to the hype he generated during the offseason. He seemed poised to be a rotational cornerback and start on dime defense, but inconsistencies quickly turned to struggles and Pierre failed to maintain a defensive role as the season progressed.
He has another offseason to develop more as the team will certainly carry him through at least camp. Assuming he has another nice preseason, odds are Pierre will be penciled in as the top backup outside cornerback once again. Add in his special team’s value and at a minimum, he will make the back end of this roster. There is a real chance he sees consistent playing time on defense as well as a reserve.
While the team will certainly add a face or two to this roster at cornerback, Pierre’s familiarity with the team and solid potential will earn him another shot. No, he won’t be expected to take on the extended role many expected him to last season, but working as a top backup and special teams ace seems likely. Don’t be surprised to see Pierre get another shot on defense next season despite his struggles last year.
A second chance for Steelers Rudolph
A name that almost no one in Steelers nation likes, Mason Rudolph has a real chance to be a starter next season. No matter if you want a rookie quarterback, a veteran, or for the team to role with Dwayne Haskins, Rudolph will enter the 2022 season as the longest-tenured quarterback on the roster and the one most likely to start unless a significant addition is brought in.
Is Rudolph deserving of a starting job in the league at this point? Not really, but if the Steelers are gearing their roster to a rebuild, it doesn’t really matter who is throwing the passes. As well, Rudolph did look significantly better in his lone start against the Lions this past season. While not enough to warrant a traditional starting job, it may be enough to land him a season as a starter for a rebuilding team.
While my expectations for Rudolph are relatively low, he is at the bare minimum deserving of this opportunity in front of him. The Steelers don’t really have much to lose. Rudolph can flame out and earn the team a top draft pick or play well enough to either get the franchise tag or go elsewhere and reward the team with comp picks. Expect to see him early in the season as the team rolls with him to start.
A second chance for Steelers Green
One of the players most have seemingly already given up on, Kendrick Green had a horrible rookie season. He started off extremely inconsistent, playing some downs well and falling apart on others. As the season progressed and teams got more tape on him, he only got worse. By seasons end, he had been benched for J.C. Hassenauer.
While some want him off the roster entirely, the Steelers will almost certainly give the former third-round pick another chance in 2022. While there is the possibility that he moves to guard as opposed to staying at center, at the bare minimum don’t be surprised to see him starting in 2022. The team has a slew of needs along their offensive line, so they may opt to give Green one last shot as opposed to spreading their resources too thin.
Frankly, I’m not sure Green is deserving of another shot right now. While I wouldn’t cut him, as he would be a fine depth player, banking on him being significantly better after a season that saw him horribly regress is unwise. While he can be labeled the starter at either guard or center after camp, he needs to be on a short leash with someone right behind him that can be inserted in if he falters. He will see the field again in 2022, but the team has to be ready for him not to work out as well.
A second chance for Steelers Bush
A name I wasn’t sure about heading into the offseason, the Steelers don’t seem set part ways with Devin Bush quite yet. While a trade or even a potential cut seemed on the table in 2022, the talk has now shifted to him needing to play better. The team doesn’t seem poised to completely cut ties with the former first-round pick despite his massive struggles in 2021.
Instead, the focus is on what improvements he can make and who the team can bring in to play alongside him. Joe Schobert is likely released at some point, meaning the team will need to find his replacement. As well, considering the teams’ tendency to rotate at this position, another capable body will have to be brought in to serve as a backup and spot starter.
Odds are a veteran and a rookie are brought in to beef up this room. As for Bush, he will get the first crack at starting even if he has to split time with some other names. While I’m optimistic about Bush playing better than he did in 2021, he can’t be given a long leash to prove that a second chance was a mistake. He was a core reason this defense faltered down the stretch. Giving him a second chance is fine, but the team can’t bank on him revert back to his previously better self.
While the Steelers roster will see a lot of turnover in the coming weeks, there are some players that are deserving of a second chance. Despite their 2021 seasons leaving a lot to be desired, these five players will likely be given a second chance to prove their worth in 2022. Don’t be surprised to see each of these names holding down significant roles on the team for at least the early part of the season.