3 free agents the Steelers should avoid

1. Bud Dupree

Dupree is a prime example of an edge rusher that puts up solid sack totals without providing his team much else. That’s worked within the context of the Steelers’ defense because of the talent surrounding him in their front seven.

That doesn’t mean it’s worth paying a premium to retain in free agency. Opposing teams looking to bolster their pass rushes will step up and offer Dupree big money to leave Pittsburgh. Discretion is the better part of valor for the Steelers here. They need to let him walk when the bidding gets out of hand.

It’s not as if Pittsburgh will be bereft of edge rushers if he does leave. T.J. Watt and Stephon Tuit can still shoulder the majority of the load on obvious passing downs. If Alex Highsmith fulfills his potential the coaches believe they could have another above-average pass rusher on their hands.

At worst, the Steelers can look elsewhere in free agency or to the draft to find Dupree’s replacement. There will be better value present elsewhere. Locking Dupree into a lucrative long-term deal would be a massive mistake for Pittsburgh.