4 scenarios of how the Steelers could replace Bud Dupree

Option 1: Status quo

The question going forward is how do the Steelers address Dupree’s loss, maintain an undefeated season, and defeat the Chiefs. They have two potential options. First, they can have faith in their defensive unit as is and hope that Alex Highsmith can step up and fill Dupree’s shoes going forward.

Certainly, this decision comes with risks; however, Alex Highsmith is a quality player, plus he will make preparations to fill that role. Highsmith could be good enough to keep the Steelers undefeated in the regular season. He is a big rookie at 6’3” and 248 pounds. Almost the same size as another great Steelers linebacker, Jack Lambert. So he has the size.  So far this season, he has 14 solo tackles and 20 combined tackles, three of his tackles resulted in a loss of yardage. He also has one quarterback hit and one interception. Not bad for not being a starter.

There is a lot to like about Highsmith, and if anyone can step up, Highsmith will undoubtedly give it his all. If he does step up and manage to fill Dupree’s shoes or come close, it may alleviate some concerns about what the Steelers need to do at the end of the season when Dupree’s contract expires.

If the Steelers opt to go with this likely scenario, then this also means more playing time for Steelers linebacker Jayrone Elliot. He has played as an NFL journeyman for Green Bay, Dallas, and Pittsburgh for the last two years. That said, he has not played more than five games since 2016, and over six years only has 54 tackles.  Given Pittsburgh’s depth at linebacker is evaporating faster than a drop of water in the Sahara desert, the Steelers will no doubt use him more for the rest of the season. It’s unclear how well he performs, but this would be his opportunity to get some recognition if he can make a few big plays going down the stretch. He is not a small guy either, at 6’4” and 240 pounds.

The Steelers do have a second option. They could consider signing a free agent linebacker. While there are not many they can call, there are a few. At least this could help minimize what they have lost with Dupree and Bush.