The good, the bad and the odd of the Steelers and the franchise tag

When it comes to using the franchise tag, the Pittsburgh Steelers have something of a checkered past. There have been times when things worked out quite well for the team and others have failed miserably. This is especially relevant this offseason as the Steelers are faced with the decision of whether or not to place the tag on linebacker Bud Dupree after a big 2019 season.

Here are the highlights and lowlights of the Steelers and the franchise tag.

Best use of the tag

Pittsburgh placed the franchise tag on safety Carnell Lake in 1995. This led to a brief holdout by Lake but it did allow the two sides to work out a long-term contract. Lake ended up being a huge part of the Steelers defense for the next several seasons.