The Steelers lost one productive pass-rusher in free agency, but they managed to sign one who might be even better.
Pittsburgh has a history of drafting and developing stud linebackers, but Bud Dupree was a bit of an exception, not really blossoming until the final two years of his contract, when he racked up 19.5 sacks. But it’s believed that he was more of a product of the system he was playing in, with TJ Watt and Co. making life easier on Dupree, who never saw extra attention or scheme adjustments from opposing teams.
The Titans had no problem overpaying Dupree, as they signed him to a five-year, $82.5 million contract. As such, the Steelers were left with a void to fill at outside linebacker.
They accomplished that by signing Melvin Ingram to a one-year deal on Monday, solving the problem with a short-term fix. Ingram figures to be a great fit in Pittsburgh, though, and he seems excited about playing in the Steelers system.
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