4 veteran OLBs the Steelers need to sign to replace Dupree

With Dupree’s recent ACL tear, here are four veterans that could fill in for him for the Steelers

Bud Dupree was having a repeat of his 2019 season, as he was on pace for double-digit sacks once again and was showing that he is a legitimate edge defender. Unfortunately, reports say he tore his ACL against the Ravens this past Wednesday, meaning the Steelers will have some roster shuffling to fill in for him. With that said, here are four veterans the Steelers should consider adding to the roster to help replace Dupree.

Important to note

This is in no way saying that the Steelers should sign one of these 30 plus-year-old players and start them. Instead, the Steelers should start rookie Alex Highsmith and keep Olasunkanmi Adeniyi as a rotational piece. Both have flashed in limited playing time, and both deserve a shot to show what they can do as a starter. That said, the depth chart is suddenly lacking, and for a team looking to make a Super Bowl push, having capable depth at a position as important as a pass rusher is a must.

As well, this group lost their veteran presence in Dupree to injury. While Jayrone Elliot is the eldest of the group, he is less of a true edge and is mostly just a special team’s presence. Adding a savvy veteran can give a good mentor to this group as well as aid Highsmith with his pass rush. Considering the practice squad can now accommodate these veterans, it makes even more sense to go after one of these older players. No, they wouldn’t be expected to start, but they would provide capable depth and aid the developing pass rushers that are now expected to play a lot more.