Steelers Make Decision On Bud Dupree's Impending Free Agency
By Jason Hall
March 9, 2021
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree will hit the free agent market this month.
Dupree, who was the Steelers' franchise player last offseason, has been informed by the team that he will not be franchise tagged again in 2021, leading to his impending free agency, league sources confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Pittsburgh picked up the fifth-year option on Dupree's rookie deal two years ago, which led to a career-best season in 2019. However, the former No. 22 overall draft pick was limited to just 11 games in 2020 after experiencing a torn ACL during the Steelers' Week 12 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
LB Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh’s franchise player last year, has been informed that he will not be franchised again this year, per league source. Dupree is headed to free agency.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2021
If the Steelers had opted to franchise tag Dupree, they would have been expected to pay $15.5 million for a linebacker or $17.7 million for a defensive end, which the pass rusher could have petitioned for for the second consecutive year, according to Over the Cap.
Dupree is expected to garner a deal in the range of four years and $18.2 million per season, according to Spotrac, but the this year's reduced salary cap could impact negotiations and the 28-year-old could instead sign a one-year "prove it" contract before later reaching a long-term agreement next offseason, CBS Sports reports.
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