Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree is one of the most high-profile free agents set to hit the market. After having a breakout 2019 campaign the price to re-sign Dupree has gone up significantly. Pittsburgh does have the option to use the franchise tag on Dupree if they don’t think they can sign him to a new contract.
Whichever it is, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert at least wants everyone to think Pittsburgh is fully committed to trying to keep Dupree.
I say this in all seriousness: everything changes as we go through this, free agency, the draft,” Colbert said. “One thing that won’t change is our desire to have him finish his career as a Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Considering how little salary-cap space the Steelers have, it might just be wishful thinking and lip service to the public. The salary cap gurus in Pittsburgh can make a lot of magic but with the other free agents to consider and a pending draft class to sign, this would be the most impressive cap manipulation of all time.
