Players likely gone:
Bud Dupree, EDGE
Dupree is coming off another great season that was unfortunately ended due to an ACL injury. He finished his franchise tag year and has yet again proved why he is one of the best in the business. He will command too much on the open market for the Steelers to bring him back. The only way he returns is if his market is a lot smaller than most expect and he re-signs on a cheap one-year contract.
Alejandro Villanueva, OT
Villanueva has been nothing but an amazing player and a great story for this team. He has been an amazing teammate and an underrated left tackle in the NFL. His command on the open market is going to be high – even considering his age – and the black and gold cannot afford that.
Avery Williamson, LB
Williamson turned out to be a nice rental piece for the team after acquiring him at the deadline. He falls victim to a team that has no cap space to bring him back. He wasn’t good enough for the Steelers to go out of their way to bring him back.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
This is the one on this list where it could change. JuJu Smith-Schuster wants to return to the team but he will have to show what he wants: money or fit. He will command a lot of money on the open market and Pittsburgh just doesn’t have enough right now.
James Conner, RB
Conner is a local kid and another great story. Unfortunately, after his breakout year during his first season as a starter, his production has diminished. He played behind some poor offensive lines and has had some injury problems. He will get another shot elsewhere and he deserves nothing but success.
Matt Feiler, OL
Feiler was a failed experiment at left guard. He was a solid right tackle before the move to the other position this past year. Kevin Dotson was an upgrade over the veteran and it is likely he will sign elsewhere.