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

Steelers Isaiahh Loudermilk

Of all of the defensive linemen who will now see more snaps as a result of Tuitt’s retirement, Isaiahh Loudermilk might be the biggest beneficiary of the group. Loudermilk struggled with consistency at times playing 29 percent of defensive snaps for the Steelers as a rookie in 2021.

At 6’6 3/8” and 310 pounds, Loudermilk certainly has some size and traits to work with, but had Tuitt returned to the team, it’s possible that the former fifth-round pick would have instantly been buried in the depth chart.

At the very best-case scenario for Loudermilk, he would have been the fourth 3-4 defensive end in the rotation behind Heyward, Tuitt, and Wormley. However, Tuitt’s departure leaves a huge window of opportunity for Loudermilk to carve out a sizeable role with the team in his second season.

Barring a big free-agent signing by Pittsburgh, Loudermilk’s role can be even bigger than many anticipate — especially if he proves to be more effective than Chris Wormley at the same role. If he can make a second-year leap, Loudermilk has a chance to be a big contributor for the Steelers in 2022.