(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Jenna Harner of WPXI spoke with Steelers president Art Rooney II on Thursday, and Harner asked Rooney if he sees Stephon Tuitt being a part of the Steelers in 2022.
"We don't know at this point where Stephon is going to be and what his ability to compete for a position here next season is going to be. We've left the door open," Rooney said.
Kevin Colbert told reporters on Monday that the Steelers are “very open” to having Tuitt back for next season. Tuitt missed the entire 2021 season with a knee injury, but he was also dealing with a personal tragedy, as his brother, Richard Bartlett III, 23, was killed in a hit-and-run car accident in June.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bartlett died after he was struck by a car while trying to secure a mattress and box spring to the top of a vehicle along McGinnis Ferry Road about 9:30 p.m. on June 2. The hit-and-run remains under investigation.
Colbert said they've been in contact with Tuitt and hopes for the best as he tries to come back.
"Stephon had a tough season last year, battling through a knee injury," Colbert said. "He obviously had a personal situation he had to deal with. We just hope for the best as he tries to come back, and be a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers."
Per Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, Tuitt's Pine Township home is under contract to be sold, according to real estate and property records. The home was listed for sale on Jan. 16 and placed under contract on Jan. 22.
The news of Tuitt selling his Pittsburgh area home doesn't mean he's done with the Steelers, but it's definitely something to keep note of.
Longtime Steelers reporter James Wexell tweeted, "Leaving the light on, again, means long shot."
The Steelers really missed Tuitt's presence on the defensive line last season, as they ranked 32nd in the league in run defense (143.8) and yards per carry (5.0).
Tuitt is signed through 2022 and has a base salary of more than $9 million. His cap hit is over $13.975 after a restructuring last year pushed more of a cap hit into this season.
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