New NFL Salary Cap actually decreases the projected franchise tag cost for Bud Dupree

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team who was waiting to see the end result of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) before they could make any type of moves, but the decisions which needed to be made were much larger than just the CBA.

With the new CBA came the report the NFL had increased its 2020 salary cap, as expected, to $198.2 million dollar, which was lower than initially expected. Early projections saw the number just over $200 million.

So, what does this mean for NFL teams? Well, obviously they have less than expected room with the new cap in place, but also it means the adjusted numbers for franchise tag players has changed too.

The Steelers obviously want to keep Bud Dupree for the 2020 season, and maybe beyond, but how they secure his services for this season is up for debate. The franchise tag is the most likely course of action, and with the new salary cap it also means they won’t have to pay as much for Dupree’s services.

Before the new CBA, and new salary cap, it was projected the linebacker position would be roughly $16.2 million dollars to put the tag on a player. However, it is now estimated to be $15.829 million dollars.

This per Joe Rutter, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

No, it isn’t much, but at a time when the Steelers are under the salary cap by the skin of their teeth, every little bit counts.

The Steelers will have some tough decisions to make this week, and it will likely start with the release of players like Anthony Chickillo, Ramon Foster and others to create salary cap space to be at least a minor player in NFL Free Agency.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they prepare for the new league year to start in just a few days, and of course the 2020 NFL Draft in April.