3 cheaper free agent options at OLB if Steelers can’t sign Bud Dupree

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 24: Kamalei Correa #44 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a tackle against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of the game at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 24: Kamalei Correa #44 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a tackle against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter of the game at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – NOVEMBER 24: Shaq Lawson #90 of the Buffalo Bills sacks Brandon Allen #2 of the Denver Broncos during the second half at New Era Field on November 24, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo beats Denver 20 to 3. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – NOVEMBER 24: Shaq Lawson #90 of the Buffalo Bills sacks Brandon Allen #2 of the Denver Broncos during the second half at New Era Field on November 24, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo beats Denver 20 to 3. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Shaq Lawson

Shaq Lawson was a part of one of the league’s best defensive units in 2019. Lawson was a former first-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2016, but much like Dupree, it has taken him a while to hit his stride.

Lawson never managed more than 4.0 sacks in a season prior to 2019, but this past year was his best season to date. Lawson managed 32 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, and 18 quarterback hits.

Though he played in a 4-3 front in Buffalo, Lawson has an ideal frame and build for Pittsburgh (6’3” and 267 pounds). If signed by the Steelers, he would slide right into the right outside linebacker spot.

Lawson flashed on tape this season despite playing just 47 percent of defensive snaps for the Bills. However, his limited usage means he would pull in a much cheaper price tag than Dupree. It’s certainly possible that Lawson will be retained by Buffalo, but he could be seeking a full-time role with a new team.

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