Bud Dupree is officially a free agent
(Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)
One former Kentucky Wildcat is looking for a new home.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have informed Bud Dupree they will not use the franchise tag on the 28-year-old outside linebacker. Last season Dupree made just shy of $16 million while playing on the franchise tag.
Twelve weeks into the 2020 season, Dupree was playing like one of the top edge defenders in the NFL when he tore his ACL against the Baltimore Ravens. The following week the undefeated Steelers lost, spiraling to a 1-5 finish and first round playoff exit. Dupree still racked up 8 sacks, 31 combined tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits in 11.5 games. He’s expected to be able to return to the field as a full participant in training camp this summer.
Drafted by the Steelers with the 22nd pick in the first round pot the 2015 NFL Draft, Dupree has known no other NFL home. A slow burner, he steadily improved before recording an 11.5-sack season in 2019. Playing the best football of his career and seeking a long-term deal, his injury could not have come at a worse time. Hopefully it does not completely derail his chance to get paid this offseason.
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