Longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wasn't the only member of the Pittsburgh Steelers to call it quits this offseason, as veteran defensive end Stephon Tuitt announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. While Tuitt never made the Pro Bowl, he was a reliable member of the Pittsburgh defensive line, one whose production could be counted on from year to year, provided he was healthy.

It certainly won't be easy to replace Tuitt, but the Steelers, who have a good enough roster to contend in 2022, must attempt to do so. Pittsburgh used its third-round pick on defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, who could step in immediately as a potential replacement.

However, counting on rookies, especially those taken past the first round, to provide veteran-level production is a risky game to play. If the Steelers truly want to make their best attempt at replacing Tuitt, free agency or a trade is their best bet.

Here are three veteran replacements for Tuitt.

3 Best Steelers Replacements for Stephon Tuitt 

3. Larry Ogunjobi 

The Steelers should be familiar with Larry Ogunjobi, having faced him twice a year for the past five seasons, which he spent with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. A former third-round pick, Ogunjobi has developed into a fine starter, with the 2021 season his best campaign yet.

The 27-year-old tallied a career-high seven sacks while helping the Bengals to the Super Bowl. That fine season led the Chicago Bears to sign Ogunjobi, though the transaction fell through after the lineman failed a physical.

Assuming everything checks out with Ogunjobi physically, the Steelers should take a look at him. If he can build off his strong 2021 campaign, he could help the Steelers replace the pass rush and disruptive ability they lost when Tuitt decided to hang up the cleats.

2. Carlos Dunlap

Carlos Dunlap might be the best and most realistic option available to the Steelers at this point. Dunlap, 33, is coming off another fine season for the Seattle Seahawks that saw him tally 8.5 sacks and 35 combined tackles while appearing in all 17 games.

Dunlap's season earned him a solid 72.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. Having spent much of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers are also familiar with Dunlap's playing style.

When Tuitt last played in 2020, he produced double-digit sacks for the Steelers, pass-rushing numbers he had never approached in his career before. If the Steelers want a proven pass-rusher, they should look no further than Carlos Dunlap.

1. Ndamukong Suh

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This might be a little out there. Suh is technically a defensive tackle, though he spent time at the defensive end spots in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers.

However, Tampa Bay has essentially signaled the end of Suh's time with the franchise by signing Akiem Hicks to a one-year deal on Wednesday. That means that the five-time Pro Bowler will be looking for work.

The Steelers should come calling, as Suh has proven to be a reliable contributor, both against the run and the pass. His size at 6-4 and 313 pounds makes him a logical replacement for Tuitt.

Suh also became a leader in the Buccaneers' locker room, something that certainly shouldn't go unnoticed, given the question marks surrounding him from earlier in his career.

At 35 years old, it's not clear how much football Suh has left in him. However, it makes sense for the Steelers to sign him to a one-year deal and add him to their rotation of defensive linemen, given his proven track record.