Bud Dupree, EDGE
Dupree is coming off an ACL tear late last season. He is recovering nicely as he rehabs with Devin Bush. It has seemed very unlikely for Dupree to return following this season. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has even claimed that he would be shocked if the pass-rusher returned to the Steel City. Perhaps the injury will scare teams away or not offer him what he would want. That is the best situation to happen if both the player and the Steelers wish for a return.
Even after the Roethlisberger signing, this will be a very tricky contract to iron out due to his potential demands going forward. Good edge defenders do not grow on trees and every NFL team is looking for one. It will take the right circumstances for Dupree’s return to Pittsburgh.
A lot more cap space will need to be found for the best pass-rushing duo to stay intact. The former Kentucky product has made a very nice career for himself and deserves to get paid. He works as hard as anyone else in the league to be ready for the season. His ACL injury might raise some red flags for teams but he will bounce back from that nicely. Being a number one edge defender will be the real question for him going forward without having someone on the other side like T.J. Watt.