Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Biggest needs to address in 2020 NFL Draft

2. Outside linebacker

While the defense should not be a priority for the first time in half a decade, the situation with Bud Dupree still demands some attention. The former 22nd overall pick just completed the fifth and final year of his rookie deal. Now, he can chase a considerable pay raise in free agency.

After four years of mediocre play, Dupree exploded in 2019. The Kentucky product racked up 68 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and four forced fumbles, all of which are career-highs. With Dupree emerging as a key contributor alongside Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt, the Steelers led the NFL in sacks once again.

While losing Dupree and interior defensive lineman Javon Hargrave may seem acceptable because of Pittsburgh’s dominant secondary, it could be a much bigger deal than everyone thinks. Arguably, the secondary performed so well because the pass rush decimated opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. Some interceptions came on forced throws while strip-sacks became common.

The pass rush plays more than a crucial role in Pittsburgh’s historical success. It made the Steelers a well-rounded defense this past season. Even in the years where the secondary struggled, the pass rush almost always prevailed. Potentially losing Dupree creates a significant hole.

The Steelers cannot re-sign Dupree, considering he is coming off of a career-year, and Pittsburgh possesses very little cap room. The team could franchise tag him, but that also causes cap difficulty. Letting the pass rusher walk may be the team’s best option after all. However, his potential replacement isn’t on the roster yet.