It looks like Bud Dupree is expected to become an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2021 offseason. The Steeler's current cap situation is looking quite dire so it looks hard for the Steelers to compete with what the market will offer Bud Dupree. JuJu Smith-Schuster on the other hand has been very vocal about wanting a new contract in Pittsburgh. He says he wants to play his entire career in the Steel City. Again the cap looks quite dire and JuJu would have to sign a friendly deal in order to make things work for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bleacher Report recently wrote an article Predicting 8 NFL Players who will be overpaid in the 2021 offseason. Dupree received the Franchise Tag in Pittsburgh going into the 2020 season. Now Dupree may end up on the market as a massive free agent in 2021. Bleacher Report says guys who can get to the quarterback are typically overvalued. Dupree has had some major red flags that also suggest he will be overcompensated.
One of the red flags in regards to Bud Dupree is in his four previous seasons he has not produced more than 6 sacks. Then during a contract year playing alongside TJ Watt, he managed to get 11.5 sacks. Dupree ended up with another 8 sacks in 2020 through 11 games but went down with an ACL tear. This is the second red flag in regards to Dupree.
Bleacher Report says the reality with Bud Dupree is that some cap-rich team with pass-rushing needs is likely to pay Dupree like a No. 1 pass-rusher. Dupree has a projected market value of $18.2 million annually. Potential Suitors for Dupree are the Colts, Jets, Bengals, Patriots, or Cardinals.
JuJu Smith-Schuster will be turning 25 in November and has only one pro bowl season under his belt. He also only had 9 touchdowns in 2020 as well. Bleacher Report predicts some receiver-needy team will undoubtedly want him as their new No. 1 wide-receiver. JuJu Smith-Schuster's projected market value is $16.1 million annually. Bleacher Report feels teams should dig into JuJu Smith-Schusters past production and will realize he is not a Top-10 wide-receiver in the NFL. JuJu Smith-Schusters potential suitors are the Jets, Cardinals, Raiders, and Dolphins.