3 Difficult Roster Decisions the Steelers Face This Offseason

With the Pittsburgh Steelers failing to make the postseason for the second year in a row, the front office now faces some major decisions about whether to take a step back, or invest even more money in a roster that's as susceptible to injury as any in the NFL.

3. Stick With Mason Rudolph as Backup or Invest in Free Agency?

Duck Hodges isn't the answer behind Ben Roethlisberger, and Mike Tomlin even restored Rudolph as the clear No. 2 behind the future Hall of Famer at the end of the season. Still, is Rudolph enough protection behind Big Ben? While he looked far better in his second tour of work, he's still relatively inexperienced and a loose cannon at times. There are several quality backups in free agency that could take Rudolph's place should the Steelers feel he's an incompetent option.

2. Extend JuJu Smith-Schuster or Let Him Enter Final Year of Contract?

Smith-Schuster had a disappointing 2019 for the Steelers, topping 500 yards receiving, but suffering a multitude of injuries which kept him out when Pittsburgh needed him most. In fact, Diontae Johnson arguably passed Smith-Schuster as the team's most dangerous wideout. So, with a year left on his contract, should the Steelers try and spark a bargain while the price is low?

1. What to Do With Bud Dupree?

Bud Dupree could walk in free agency if the Steelers let him, but a more viable option is the franchise tag. The Kentucky product finally played up to his first-round potential in a contract year, forming a one-two punch with TJ Watt in Pittsburgh's pass rush. The Steelers are building one of the best defenses in the league, and keeping Dupree is probably in their best interest.