The Pittsburgh Steelers declined to use the franchise tag on outside linebacker Bud Dupree, likely pointing to the former first-round pick heading elsewhere.

Dan Graziano of ESPN responded to a Twitter inquiry regarding Dupree's chances of staying in Pittsburgh after not receiving the tag. He suggested a reunion between the two sides is highly unlikely.

Dupree had 8.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 15 quarterback hits in 11 games this past season, one year after recording a career-high 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

But re-signing the 28-year-old was always going to be something of a long shot for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh still faces some cap issues, even after restructuring Ben Roethlisberger's contract. The Steelers have a number of decisions to make on the likes of cornerback Joe Haden, not to mention internal free agents such as wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Conner, among others.

Additionally, Dupree's value to the Steelers might not be the same as his value on the open market. Sam Monson pointed out in a piece for ESPN over 60 percent of Dupree's total pressures were “unblocked, cleanup or pursuit plays.” He does not draw the same kind of attention as a T.J. Watt or Cameron Heyward, the two guys who really seem to set the tone in the front seven.

The other element of note for the Steelers is they will get Devin Bush Jr. back after the 2019 first-round pick played just five games in 2020. Bush is an inside ‘backer, but he nonetheless bolsters the front seven with his two-way ability.

Pittsburgh could pursue other, cheaper options on the edge.