Steelers post free agency analysis: Following same blueprint
By Eric Hassel
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?