3 Steelers with the most opportunity following Stephon Tuitt’s retirement

With Stephon Tuitt officially retired, here are three Pittsburgh Steelers who will have increased opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have had. 

I was very disappointed when I heard the news that Stephon Tuitt was announcing his retirement. While it’s not completely unexpected, this is a big blow for a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that was hoping to bounce back from a down year in 2021.

However, Tuitt’s permanent departure does open the door for some Steelers defensive lineman who would have otherwise had much smaller roles for the upcoming season. Here are three players who will be given the most opportunity following Tuitt’s retirement:

Steelers Chris Wormley

Chris Wormely is the veteran who primarily assumed Tuitt’s role in his absence during the 2021 season. Trading for the former Baltimore Ravens third-round draft choice is looking better and better, as the Steelers need the DL depth now more than ever.

Wormley was far from spectacular last season, but he did a serviceable job playing 71 percent of defensive snaps alongside All-Pro, Cameron Heyward. If Tuitt had returned this year, Wormley would have gone back to the primary rotational role.

As it stands, however, Chris Wormley is the projected starter in Tuitt’s place. Thanks to his experience and familiarity as a 3-4 defensive end, I think he plays another big role for Pittsburgh in 2022 and is one of the players who will earn the most playing time following Tuitt’s retirement.