The Steelers were able to make offers to some of their own free agents
As has been the norm for several years, the Steelers made some ‘in-house’ moves in an effort to retain some of our own free agents. With the franchise tag being placed on Bud Dupree, the Steelers are taking a leap of faith.
The reason I say that is very simple. In his first five seasons, Dupree has tallied 31.5 sacks, of which 11.5 were generated last season. What that means is this: In his first four seasons, Dupree averaged 5 sacks per season. That production is hardly worth placing the franchise tag on a player who had one good year, but that’s what we did. I hope Dupree proves me wrong.
The Steelers also re-signed Zach Banner, our ‘swing’ tackle, to a one-year deal. Additionally, our starting RT and slot CB, Matt Feiler and Mike Hilton, were tendered offers. Kameron Canaday, our LS (Long Snapper), was signed to a two-year deal. Moreover, Jordan Dangerfield, a core special teams player, was signed to a one-year deal.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that the Steelers also signed three former XFL players to one-year deals. Dewayne Hendrix, Tyree Kinnel and Christian Kuntz, a defensive end, a safety and a linebacker/long snapper, respectively, were added to the roster. I honestly do not expect that any of the aforementioned players will make enough of an impact to even make the active roster, but I guess it’s good to have options.
Let’s wrap this up, shall we?