One of the most significant salary-cap casualties now looking for a new landing spot is Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher Bud Dupree. After failing to work out a deal, Bud Dupree will be one of the hottest names on the NFL free agency market in 2021.
As he looks for a new landing spot in free agency, Bud Dupree had an up and down career with the Steelers
A few years ago, the Steelers debated whether to pick up pass rusher Bud Dupree’s fifth-year option. Up to that point, he had been slightly underwhelming after standing out at the University of Kentucky. At 6’4″ and 269 pounds, Dupree defies the laws of human evolution. Someone his size should not be able to run a 4.56 40-yard dash and beat RBs to the edge. It’s one of the biggest factors as to why the Steelers selected him 22nd overall in 2015.
However, Bud Dupree failed to live up to the hype over his first four years in Pittsburgh despite his physical gifts. Playing in 54 games (39 starts), Dupree recorded 132 tackles (97 solo), 33 QB hits, 20 sacks, and forced 2 fumbles. Rather than working out a new contract, the Steelers decided to pick up his fifth-year option. A move that might have dearly cost the Steelers as Bud Dupree became a man on a mission.
Prior to his 2020 season-ending injury, Bud Dupree had been electric as a pass rusher for the Steelers
In 2019, Bud Dupree became the pass rusher the Steelers always envisioned. He made 16 starts, setting career-highs in sacks (11.5), tackles (68), and forcing 4 fumbles. Rather than work out a long-term deal, the Steelers franchised Bud Dupree instead of allowing him to test free agency.
In 2020, he was off to an even better start. In 11 games, Dupree recorded 8 sacks while adding 31 tackles to his résumé. Unfortunately, his season was cut short as he tore his ACL in Week 12 against the Ravens.
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The duo of Dupree and T.J. Watt was dynamic, and with his loss, the Steelers’ defense suffered. The Steelers were 11-0 with Dupree, but following his injury, went 1-5. While numerous factors played into this downward spiral, it’s hard to overlook the massive elephant in the room.
This injury’s timing could not be worse for Bud Dupree as he searches for a new landing spot in free agency. According to Spotrac, Dupree has an estimated market value of $18.2 million per season on a four-year deal. However, given the reduced salary cap and recovery timeline, it is uncertain if he will see any deals close to this number.
A reduced 2021 salary cap will heavily impact potential landing spots for LB Bud Dupree
Due to lost revenue of the 2020 season, the NFL salary cap took a massive hit. Adam Schefter recently reported the 2021 salary cap will be $182.5 million.
Teams are cash-strapped and need to make difficult decisions regarding veterans and how bullish they can be in free agency. While the talent is there, the market might not be for Bud Dupree.
There is also a case to be made he should not sign a long-term deal with his new landing spot. The cap will go back up in 2022, and if he plays well on a “prove-it” deal, he could see something close to the estimated contract. While a massive gamble, betting on himself could be the smart move at the end of the day.
As he hits free agency, where are some potential landing spots for Bud Dupree in 2021?
I would not count out the Pittsburgh Steelers as a landing spot on free agency for Bud Dupree
While unlikely, it could happen. The Steelers have a one-year window with the return of Ben Roethlisberger. It’s either now or never, and if they are going all-in, Bud Dupree is worth the investment even on a one-year deal of $10-$12 million. The problem is cap space which is well documented.
With the cap now at $182.5 million, the Steelers only have $6.11 million in space after Roethlisberger restructured his deal. They already need to replace 60% of the offensive line and re-sign T.J. Watt to likely the largest contract in franchise history.
Outside of money, the play of 2020 rookie Alex Highsmith could incentivize the Steelers to forego an extension with Dupree as he would be the heir apparent to the position and is on a rookie deal until 2023.
Would Bud Dupree choose Indianapolis as a landing spot in free agency?
The Colts expect to be active in free agency as they have $48.07 million in space. Adding Bud Dupree as a pass rusher helps to fill one of their most significant holes this offseason.
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Justin Houston, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Denico Autry all expect to hit free agency in 2021. Dupree could thrive playing alongside DT DeForest Buckner and LB Darius Leonard. Both of whom were All-Pro in 2020.
If they add Bud Dupree in free agency, it will allow them to use their first-round pick on filling the hole on the offensive line left from Anthony Castonzo’s retirement.
The Tennessee Titans will be an attractive landing spot in free agency for pass rusher Bud Dupree
Finishing 30th in sacks (19) and 31st in pressures (17.6%), the Tennessee Titans have to find a way to get after the QB. Both Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley failed to hit expectations, and neither recorded a single sack in 2020. Sitting with $17.58 million in cap space, Bud Dupree fits the Titans’ largest offseason need.
Another potential landing spot for Bud Dupree in free agency is the Las Vegas Raiders
Don’t get me wrong, Bud Dupree won’t help fans get over Khalil Mack. However, Dupree is an upgrade for a defense that needs to generate pressure. After recording just 28 sacks as a team and giving up 29 points per game, the defensive upgrades need to be the priority for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.
While they need help at all three levels, a pass rush will help hide some of the deficiencies in the secondary. Finding a disruptive pass rusher is a hard thing to do, but Bud Dupree, when fully healthy, could be a fantastic pairing with Maxx Crosby.
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Tommy Garrett is a writer for Pro Football Network covering the NFL and fantasy football. You can read more of his work here and follow him at @TommygarrettPFN on Twitter.