Could a reunion between the Pittsburgh Steelers and outside linebacker Bud Dupree be in the works?
The Steelers are bringing in Dupree, their 2015 first-round draft pick, for a free-agent visit, according to a report from ESPN.com.
Dupree, 30, spent the first six seasons of his NFL career in Pittsburgh before joining the Tennessee Titans as a free agent in 2021. His tenure there lasted just two seasons into a five-year, $82.5 million contract that included $35 million in guarantees.
Dupree was released March 6. He finished last season on injured reserve and was beset by injuries during his two seasons with the Titans. He appeared in 22 of a possible 34 regular-season games, starting just 17.
Dupree had seven sacks combined in two seasons with the Titans – one fewer than he totaled in his final season with the Steelers which was cut short by a torn ligament after 11 games.
The Steelers are set this season at outside linebacker with starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Adding Dupree would provide needed depth at the position. The team’s most-experienced backup, Malik Reed, signed with Miami in free agency.
Dupree’s best seasons came when he started alongside Watt. In 2019, he had a career-high 11.5 sacks, which led to the Steelers using the franchise tag on him for the 2020 season. He had another eight sacks until he tore his ACL.
The question is whether Dupree would be willing to be a backup with the Steelers and accept a lesser contract. Dupree already has made in excess of $68 million in his career, so he already has achieved financial security.
