Is Bud Dupree to the Lions a thought for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t talked much about Bud Dupree this offseason, but one Lions writer thinks Detroit could be a team hunting for the outside linebacker.

Scrolling through Twitter, an article caught my eye. All offseason, the midst of Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell and Ben Roethlisberger headlines, the one player who’s faded in the background is Bud Dupree. The outside linebacker is set to make $9.232 million this season under his fifth-year option. But could he be another trade piece for Pittsburgh?

Not many thought so. After just 20 sacks in his four-year career, Dupree is someone the Steelers are giving one more chance to before cutting ties. He showed slight improvement in 2018, but without a major change, Pittsburgh will consider adding another edge rusher this offseason with the possibility of completely moving on next year.

Forrester Solmen, a contributor at FanSided’s SideLion Report, says the team may have another option for the outside linebacker. If Pittsburgh removes Dupree’s fifth-year tender this offseason, the Lions could be a team that makes a move for a trade.

Solmen highlights Dupree’s athleticism as the key factor Detroit would be interested. Without giving up a high draft pick, the Lions would be able to collect another coverage back to add to the outside.

This is somewhat new of a thought for the Steelers. Pittsburgh hasn’t made news about considering trading Dupree, but it could be an option. With plenty of edge rushers in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Steelers may be looking to replace Dupree anyways. Getting their 11th draft pick for him could be a more valuable move than sitting him on the bench.

It’s only a thought, but one to keep an eye moving forward. If the Steelers show strong consideration in an early-round edge rusher, Dupree could find himself on the trade block.