The Pittsburgh announced on Monday they were placing the franchise tag on outside linebacker Bud Dupree. This is a bold move considering how little salary cap money the Steelers have. The move is going to create a cascade of contact re-structures and other moves to free up the money to pay Dupree.
If Dupree can duplicate or even improve on his 2019 campaign, his next contract will make the $15.8 million he’ll make this season seem like nothing. Two huge seasons in a row at a premium position will pay off huge for Dupree and take the Steelers out of the running.
In 2021 Pittsburgh will already have to contend with signing their other premier outside linebacker, T.J. Watt to a contract. There’s no way the Steelers can sign both and if you have to pick one, it’s going to be Watt.
This means the Steelers basically have a one-year rental on Dupree. Which, if you are a team going all in to win a Super Bowl, isn’t a bad strategy. Dupree finished 2019 with a career-high 11.5 sacks and finally seemed to pair his ridiculous athleticism with proper technique. If we assume quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be back to 100 percent, having that elite defense intact to help him out is priceless.
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