(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Kevin Colbert told reporters on Monday that the Steelers are “very open” to having Stephon 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."
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.