PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – At first you might think ‘why in the world would you want Bud Dupree back’? But, is it really a bad idea?
Reports on Thursday that after visiting the Chargers, the Steelers have interest in reuniting with their former outside linebacker. The same Dupree they spent a first-round pick on in 2015 and amassed four sacks his rookie season. Let’s take another look at his Steelers career.
Following his rookie season, injuries limited him to seven games in 2016, but he had 4.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 24 total tackles and a forced fumble. There were challenges in 2017 and 2018, but in 2019 he learned how to pair with TJ Watt. Yes, having Watt allowed for Dupree to have more one-on-one coverage, but over the next two seasons he had 19.5 sacks in 27 games and added 32 quarterback hits, 24 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and five passes defended. He left in 2021 for a big money opportunity with Tennessee and the Steelers had Alex Highsmith.
Think of the context of what you want from Bud Dupree now. You aren’t looking at him as the heir apparent to be the next great Steelers pass rusher. You aren’t even looking at him to be a starter, but a third or fourth outside linebacker.
Last year with the Falcons, where Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was the head coach, Dupree started 16 games with 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, 39 tackles, two forced fumbles and three passes defensed.
If Dupree is willing to take a ‘veteran looking to rebuild his career’ contract of a couple of million, he’s a good fit. He knows the defense, worked with both Watt and Highsmith and still can play.
As long as he knows his role, the now 31-year-old Dupree would be a good veteran add in case of injury and to work with Nick Herbig.