Fansided

3 veterans the Steelers should replace in the NFL Draft

By Rucker Haringey

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on December 27, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on December 27, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Steelers rumors, Mike Tomlin
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks to the field prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Steelers desperately need a roster shakeup this offseason. Here are three veterans who should be replaced by rookies heading into 2021.

Mike Tomlin understands that his team needs an infusion of new blood if they’re going to wash the bitter taste of last season’s playoff loss to the Browns out of his team’s mouth. That means several big-name veterans need to be jettisoned to send a message that no one on the roster is safe based solely on their past accomplishments.

Of course, any veteran the Steelers choose to let go will need to be replaced. The team does not have much cap space heading into 2021 which means Pittsburgh needs to rely on the draft to secure an inexpensive replacement.

This piece identifies three Steelers veterans who need to be on high alert this offseason. Replacing any member of the trio with a talented rookie could be a stroke of genius by Pittsburgh’s front office.

3. Bud Dupree

The Steelers don’t actually need to do anything to offload Dupree since he’s headed for free agency. He’s coming off a season where the Steelers paid him just over $15 million. Pittsburgh can’t afford to bring him back on a deal that pays him anything close to last year’s salary.

The good news for Tomlin and his coaching staff is that the teams front seven still boasts impressive talent without Dupree in the fold. Stars like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward will keep this unit playing at a high-level next season.

That also means the Steelers don’t need to use their first round pick on a replacement for Dupree. Instead, look for Pittsburgh to secure a new edge rusher on Day 2. Someone like Pittsburgh’s Patrick Jones or Wake Forest’s Carlos “Boogie” Basham could fit nicely into the Steelers’ defense in 2021.

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