Stephon Tuitt and the Pittsburgh Steelers agree to a five-year extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future. Art Rooney II and Kevin Colbert really wanted to get this extension done before the season started. Tuitt, one of the most valued members of the defense, played a vital role in last season’s playoff run.
Stephon Tuitt And Steelers Agree to Contract Extension
Updated with contract figure: Steelers are signing DE Stephon Tuitt to a five-year, $61 million extension, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2017
The Steelers selected Tuitt in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. They felt extremely lucky that the talented defensive end was available. Tuitt fell to them in the second round due to concerns with his foot injury. He earned the backup spot to Cameron Heyward as a rookie, edging out five others. Tuitt made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns in the season opening game. He recorded his first sack the following week against the Baltimore Ravens. Tuitt appeared in all 16 games during his rookie season, starting four of them. He finished with 19 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Tuitt Wins the Starting Job
Tuitt won the starting job opposite of Heyward prior to the 2015 season, beating out Leterrius Walton and Clifton Geathers. His best game came at the expense of the Ravens, recording 10 solo tackles and a sack. He recorded two sacks against the Browns in week 17. He finished the season with 54 tackles, six and a half sacks, an interception, and a pass deflection.
Tuitt’s star has been on the rise since his second season, an opinion shared by many around the league. The Steelers agree and felt the need to reward him before the season started. He earned it by taking leadership of the defensive line when Heyward went down with an injury. Tuitt’s extension ensures he will be a fixture in the defense well into his prime years. His goal for the 2017 season is to win the Super Bowl, while collecting 10 sacks along the way.
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