Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt is close to signing a contract extension with the Steelers.
Tuitt, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, has until Saturday to get a new contract negotiated. The Steelers don’t negotiate contracts once the season begins.
“We’re going to see,” Tuitt said after practice Wednesday. “I was just paying attention to practice today so I didn’t look at my phone yet. I’ll see where we’re at. Right now, we’re just doing things day by day.
“It’s ongoing. Hopefully, everything is close. Right now I’m worried about getting better every day to get ready for the Browns.”
The Steelers created more than $3 million in salary cap space, likely to make room for Tuitt's new deal, by restructuring Cam Heyward's contract, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Tuitt was the Steelers’ second-round draft pick in 2014. He has started 32 of a possible 44 games at defensive end, including 28 the past two seasons. He has 11½ career sacks.
Tuitt was the final player the Steelers wanted to sign to a long-term deal this year. It appeared things could be in doubt over the past week with the rash of signings, including $7 million earmarked to new cornerback Joe Haden. But the Steelers still have plenty of money left under the salary cap to do a new deal with Tuitt.
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: September 6, 2017, 8:21 p.m.