The week every Steeler fan has been dreading is finally here. Just like Thanos says in Infinity War, 'Dread it, Run from it.' Well, there will be no running from it this week. The tampering phase begins today where NFL teams can legally negotiate with agents of any unrestricted free agent player. That means any Steeler player who is set to hit the open market should start to know what their market value is by today.
Notable free agents on the Steelers are JuJu Smith-Schuster, Bud Dupree, Alejandro Villanueva, Avery Williamson, Chris Wormley, Mike Hilton. Matt Feiler, Tyson Alualu, and James Conner are just some of the main free agents hitting the open market in 2021. JuJu Smith-Schuster's market value is set at $16.1 million while Bud Dupree's market value is set at $18.1 million. Bud Dupree will probably be one of the biggest free agents next to JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2021.
It looks like the Giants are very interested in Bud Dupree. There was a report saying people inside the Giants building really like him. Look for the Colts and Titans to make a run at Bud Dupree as well. JuJu Smith-Schuster penned a thank you to Pittsburgh Steeler fans yesterday in what looked like could be a goodbye. There is still a 10% chance JuJu could stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers according to Rapoport of the NFL Network. Jeremy Fowler says the Steelers think they have no chance at re-signing Bud Dupree and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The Steelers have been talking to Alejandro Villanueva about a new contract, but it seems the numbers have been far off. In my opinion, the Steelers should start restructuring some contracts like Stephon Tuitt, Chris Boswell, and Steven Nelson. They should also give Joe Haden a new contract that is similar to Ben Roethlisberger's contract. That will help lower the cap even more. Then they should look for a veteran center because I do not trust BJ Finney as the lone starter walking into 2021. He tends to get hurt. After I would try and resign Matt Feiler, Mike Hilton, Cam Sutton, and Tyson Alualu. Then head into the 2021 NFL draft.