NFL.com: Free agent OLB Bud Dupree could be fit for Cardinals

The NFL free agent market officially opens on March 18, and the Arizona Cardinals could be in the market for defensive help.

In a look at who NFC teams should be shopping for, NFL.com writer Nick Shook says the Cardinals should be shopping for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree.

Dupree registered 49 solo tackles and 11.5 sacks for the Steelers last season. He also registered four forced fumbles and 17 quarterback hits.

It was by far his most productive season to date.

Shook said this about the situation:

There are plenty of worthy candidates, Shaquil Barrett chief among them — but if the Cardinals want to take a more economical approach to this, they should set their sights on the AFC North. Dupree or Matt Judon would fill this role nicely opposite Chandler Jones and create a weekly problem for opposing offenses.

After cutting Terrell Suggs in December, the Cardinals left themselves shorthanded at the outside linebacker position.

Cassius Marsh and Chandler Jones held the position down fairly well.

Marsh tallied 36 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks after coming in from Seattle. Jones posted 53 combined tackles and posted a career-high with 19 sacks.

Along with other offseason changes like offensive line assistance, this could be one of the positions the Cardinals look to upgrade.

On the other hand, the Steelers could franchise tag Dupree. After seeing their 2015 first round draft pick finally come into his own, they’re looking to keep the linebacker in Pittsburgh.

Shook also mentioned Tampa Bay Buccaneers OLB Shaquil Barrett.

In his first year with Tampa, Barrett racked up 19.5 sacks, 58 combined tackles and six forced fumbles. He even posted 37 quarterback hits.

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