Steelers can’t afford him
This is the most obvious reason why the Steelers will not be able to retain Bud Dupree after the 2020 season, and if Pittsburgh were to have a load of money to spend, this situation might be very different. As it stands, Kevin Colbert’s team has a very concerning salary cap outlook heading into the 2021 offseason.
According to Over the Cap, the Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to be $19.2 million in the hole next year – and that’s with just 34 players who are currently under contract for the 2021 season. Because of the pandemic, teams that have spent to the salary cap ceiling (i.e. the Steelers) are put in a very tough position. Not only does Pittsburgh lack the money to sign an edge rusher like Dupree, but they will also have to cut players in the process.
As a result, players like Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Vance McDonald, Eric Ebron, and Maurkice Pouncey could end up being cap casualties in an effort for the Steelers to free up space and get back under the cap. In a different year, perhaps Pittsburgh finds a way to keep a player like Bud Dupree, but it’s just not going to happen with the way things are financially due to the pandemic.