4 Steelers free agents who will get more money than they deserve this offseason

EDGE Bud Dupree

Even with the ACL injury, he suffered in the second half of the 2020 season, I just don’t buy into the rumors that Bud Dupree could be had for less than $10 million per season on his next contract. Dupree was having the best season of his career last season before he got hurt, and his production was in the box score was jumping off the page prior to his injury.

Currently, Spotrac.com has Dupree’s projected annual salary at a whopping $18.2 million per season. If this turns out to be anything close to what he gets, clearly the Steelers won’t be able to compete with this, and Pittsburgh already seems to be prepared like he’s not coming back.

As it currently stands, earning this much annual money would make Dupree the seventh-richest edge rusher in the NFL – something that clearly should not come to fruition. He would be earning more money per year than players like Za’Darius Smith, Chandler Jones, and Danielle Hunter. If you are expecting the same level of player as the previously mentioned names, that would be a mistake.

Dupree is a terrific sidekick to T.J. Watt and his skillset compliments Pittsburgh’s aggressive play perfectly. However, if forced to be the top pass rusher on another team, whoever ends up signing him won’t get half of their money’s worth.