Colbert on Tuitt: “In the meantime, Wormley has filled that position”

[Steeler Nation]

Steeler Nation has been trying to wait patiently for over a year in anticipation for the official return of Pittsburgh Steelers‘ stud defensive lineman, Stephon Tuitt.

Last year was a tough one for Tuitt to say the least, as he dealt with both very serious on and off the field issues, resulting in him missing the 2021 season in its entirety. Earlier this off-season, Tuitt made it clear however that he wants to return to the team. In Sunday’s NFL Owners Meeting down in Florida, Steelers general manager, Kevin Colbert spoke on the eight-year veteran from Notre Dame in regards to his NFL future:

Colbert on Stephon Tuitt: “very helpful he’ll continue his NFL career.”

— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) March 27, 2022

In 202o, Tuitt finished the year with 11 sacks, 43 tackles, and 3 passes defensed, his 11 sacks being a career high. His presence on the defensive line was surely missed last season as the Steelers finished dead last in the league in rushing defense (both total yards against, and yards per carry at 5.0 which were both highest in the NFL). Not good. Although Tuitt has never received a Pro Bowl nod, his play is as underrated as anyone’s in the entire league, and there’s no doubt that Tuitt being on the field makes this Steelers’ defense a completely better unit.

Enter: Chris Wormley. The former Michigan Wolverine and Baltimore Ravens‘ defensive end, was traded to the Steelers back in 2020 for a fifth round draft pick to provide some depth upfront. Wormley battled injuries his first year with the team, but in 2021, he finished the season with a surprising 7 sacks, 51 total tackles, 6 TFL’s, and 10 QB hits. Wormley was able to step up into a starter-caliber role, due to the early season-ending injury to defensive tackle, Tyson Alualu, and as the team also continued to wait on the return of Tuitt. Earlier today, Colbert was asked about the Tuitt/Wormley situation moving forward, and this is what he had to say:

Colbert: 'As of now (Stephon) Tuitt is on our team, but we also have Chris Wormley that started last year. We're hopeful (Stephon) can continue his career because he's a significant player. In the meantime Wormley has filled that position and I qualify him as a starter as well.'

— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) March 27, 2022

Not necessarily the worst problem to have, knowing that you have two very capable starter-caliber players to work with. It’s evident that the Steelers’ front office is doing all that they can to allow Tuitt the time he needs to get back onto the field at 100% however. They realize his value and impact, and that’s not something to be ignored. Until Tuitt’s return can officially happen however, having Wormley and maybe even some added depth through the upcoming NFL Draft next month, can hopefully put Steeler Nation’s mind at ease in regards to the solidification of the DE position heading into the 2022 season.



What do yinz think? Do you think Wormley can continue to hold down the fort at defensive end? Or is Tuitt’s return absolutely necessary in order for the Steelers to bring home their seventh Lombardi Trophy? Click to comment below!

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[BLITZ]

Wormley played at a much higher level than expected last years

 

[Drink IRON City]

Tuitt needs to be treated as depth and fighting for a roster spot until proven otherwise. His time off cost him in football skills, he has to show he has reaquired his skill-set before anyone should dub him "back". PROVE his level of play.!

That said he could very well be working HARD this off-season and I hope he is and up to speed by training camp.

I sympethize his endured personal events but he has had time to deal and thus if he wants to play then BALL OUT big man.



SALUTE THE NATION

 

[Skott]

I’ll believe it when he shows up and looks hungry ready to play.

Until he’s not helping

 

[Confluence]

That is hardly a ringing endorsement of Tuitt's commitment tovthe team.

 

[slashsteel]

That is hardly a ringing endorsement of Tuitt's commitment to the team.

What is irritating is you want that solved sooner than later. We saw that merry go round last year. It doesn't settle the run D with that ongoing question.

They pretty much ignored the problem in free agency. That could come back to bite them in the arse.

Hoping he comes back, hoping he returns to form, hoping Alu returns to form and stays healthy. A lot of hoping.

 

[steelreeling]

What is irritating is you want that solved sooner than later. We saw that merry go round last year. It doesn't settle the run D with that ongoing question.

They pretty much ignored the problem in free agency. That could come back to bite them in the arse.

Hoping he comes back, hoping he returns to form, hoping Alu returns to form and stays healthy. A lot of hoping.

i think the D always rests solely on the Nose. Every time.

Alu went down last year and the D struggled mightily. If Alu stays healthy this year, the D is stout like a MFer.

 

[slashsteel]

i think the D always rests solely on the Nose. Every time.

Alu went down last year and the D struggled mightily. If Alu stays healthy this year, the D is stout like a MFer.

But still an unknown right? I draft a NT if the value is there....

 

[TDX27]

Wormley played but he was also on the field for the 5 - 200 yard (1 one 198 so close enough) rushing games we gave up last year in the 2nd half of the season. No one on the DL other than Cam should be considered safe. He and Loudermilk whose arrow are pointing up. The other veterans played but certainly didn't show that much.

 

[F83]

Wormley is a DE penetrator very poor vs the run, kinda reminds me of ziggy hood, good size but easily washed away vs the run, I think Wormley will be at his best if in a big 4 DL for example
De watt DT Heyward DT Tyson DE Wormley

 

[Drink IRON City]

Wormley played but he was also on the field for the 5 - 200 yard (1 one 198 so close enough) rushing games we gave up last year in the 2nd half of the season. No one on the DL other than Cam should be considered safe. He and Loudermilk whose arrow are pointing up. The other veterans played but certainly didn't show that much.

Ernie Holme's arrow was always pointing forward....................................................


Salute the nation

 

[Troglodyte]

Tomlin is quoted in today’s PPG as saying he doesn’t have a definitive answer to whether Tuitt is returning or not. It’s almost April. Free agency has started and the draft is a month away. Don’t they need that answer sooner rather than later? Isn’t Tuitt due a roster bonus?

 

[Stryker]

Tuitt is making about $9M in salary and has about a $5M Restructure cost so his cap is nearly $14M.

He has another $4.7M in voidable year dead cap money so he'd only save the Steelers about $4.5M if cut.

There is no roster bonus for this season.