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

By Tommy Jaggi

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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MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a sack against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2019, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a sack against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2019, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Matt Judon

Matt Judon is a player the Steelers have been familiar with over the past four seasons. Though he has never eclipsed the double-digit sack totals, Judon has managed to bring down the quarterback for a sack 24.5 times over the past three seasons.

Judon saw his best numbers this past season. He earned 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, and 33 quarterback hits. Unlike Correa and Lawson, Judon was a full-time starter for the Baltimore Ravens last season, as indicated by playing 81 percent of total defensive snaps in 2019.

Judon has a similar build to Bud Dupree, but the Grand Valley State product didn’t test nearly as good as Bud Dupree at the NFL Combine. However, what Judon lacks in sheer athletic traits, he makes up for with strength and hand usage.

Judon has proven to be a more consistent edge rusher over the years than Bud Dupree. While he would likely demand more money than Correa or Lawson, he could potentially be a cheaper option to Dupree if the Steelers can’t get a deal done this offseason.

dark. Next. 4 early offseason predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers

In all likelihood, the Steelers will choose to give Dupree the franchise tag this season if they can’t come to an agreement on the terms of a new contract. However, we have seen former Pittsburgh first-round picks walk in free agency before. If Dupree is to leave, these three players could be solid replacements, assuming they hit the market.

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