3 players Pittsburgh Steelers can sign with Bud Dupree’s money

The Steelers are ready to let Bud Dupree walk in NFL free agency. Here are three free agents they can sign with the edge rusher’s money. 

Bud Dupree had a productive run with the Steelers, but Pittsburgh is ready to let him leave for more financially lucrative pastures this offseason. The team will miss him, but it’s vital they put the cash freed up by his departure to good use in NFL free agency.

Dupree’s departure does leave Mike Tomlin’s team with a hole at outside linebacker. The Steelers’ defense is built upon the ferocity of their front seven. It’s very possible Pittsburgh decides they need to find a like-for-like replacement for Dupree in free agency to keep that trend going.

On the other hand, the Steelers have some other pressing roster needs that need attention in free agency. Strengthening the offensive line charged with protecting Ben Roethlisberger should be a massive offseason priority. The Dupree cash might be best utilized in finding a potential protector for Big Ben.

The Steelers have options here, but they have to get free agency right. Pittsburgh fans should focus on the following three players as free agency gets going.

3. Alejandro Villanueva

The easiest, and arguably most productive, thing for Pittsburgh to do with the Dupree cash is to give it to Villanueva. Retaining one of their own free agents might not be the sexiest thing to do in free agency, but the Steelers can’t afford to let their left tackle leave the building for free.

Villanueva isn’t a star, but he is a quality starter at the most important position on the offensive line. Replacing him in free agency would be impossible. If he walks, the Steelers will have to gamble on a high draft choice to come in and replace him as a rookie. Paying him the money he’s earned is the safe, prudent choice.