The Pittsburgh Steelers will be heading into the 2022 season without one of their key players, Stephon Tuitt. The veteran defensive end called it a career after missing the entire 2021 season after the sudden death of his brother. He had been a Steeler since 2014 and a full-time starter since his second season.

Cam Heyward, a defensive lineman and Steelers captain, said that he was optimistic about Tuitt deciding to return and said his decision of whether to come back was 50-50. However, he also said that is more concerned about Tuitt doing what is best for him.

Earlier in the offseason, when Tuitt's next move wasn't well-known, Heyward said that the team was respectful of where he was and said the door was always open. Heyward wasn't shy about stating his desire for Tuitt to return to the Steelers. Still, he emphasized that he isn't mad at his now-former teammate's decision.

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Tuitt and Heyward developed a bond during thier time in Pittsburgh. They often did promotional videos for the team together, riding in a self-driven Uber car and going trick-or-treating around the locker room. With the Ben Roethlisberger era done, only Heyward will be therte to make sure the new era starts the right way.

Although the Steelers returned to the playoffs without Tuitt this past season, losing a veteran presence on the D-line is unfortunate. Tuitt recorded a career-high 11.0 sacks in the 2020 season. Still, Pittsburgh has rookie DeMarvin Leal and plenty of free agents like Ndamukong Suh remain available for them to sign.