Steelers Making the Right Move Franchise-Tagging Bud Dupree

Entering the new league year, NFL fans were looking forward to see where the top free agents will land in 2020. However, some of those hopes and dreams were instantly killed, as squads placed the franchise tag on their top impending free agents to ensure they aren't free to sign with another team.

One team to follow that trend was the Pittsburgh Steelers, who tagged linebacker Bud Dupree, and it was absolutely the right decision to make.

Dupree was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, and never exactly lit up the stat sheet. But things changed once the 2019 season came around, as the former Kentucky Wildcat recorded 68 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, 11 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and three passes defensed.

Perhaps more importantly, he formed a fearsome tandem with TJ Watt, where they, in total, hit the quarterback 53 times. Why would the Steelers risk splitting them up and having to go back to square one?

More importantly, the front office can use the franchise tag to see if 2019 was truly an anomaly. If he continues to build off his breakout year, then they can reward him with a contract extension. But if Dupree's production drops drastically, Pittsburgh can let him walk.

The Steelers are looking to contend next season, and when looking at their AFC North counterparts in the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh has a better defense. If they want to steal the crown from their foes next season, they need to keep Dupree, and tagging him is the right way to go.