2. Trade Bud Dupree

Bud Dupree signed his franchise tag for the 2020 season back in March. This will pay the pass rusher $15.8 million in the upcoming season. Dupree finished with 11.5 sacks in 2019 and was the main reason why the Steelers front seven was dominant. 

This is an unlikely option but it is possible nonetheless. If the Steelers were interested in trading Dupree, they could have let him go in free agency and receive a third-round compensatory pick in 2021. The face that they committed to paying him nearly $16 million in 2020 means they are dedicated to him.

On the other hand, Dupree broke out last season. Prior to the campaign, his best season came in 2017 when he totaled just six sacks. The thought of him being a one year wonder mixed with the financial burden could be enough of a reason to trade him.

Pittsburgh could use Dupree’s 2019 season as leverage in trade talks. He finished with double-digit sacks and was healthy. Dupree played in and started all 16 games last season. This is something that is not expected to be done, but anything is possible.