53-sack free agent and former Atlanta Falcon, Bud Dupree visits with teams this week and a signing could come soon this offseason. According to a source, the Kentucky product is one of the notable free agents still available that has met with the Los Angeles Chargers. He’s also in talks with the Falcons and Steelers after being on the market, Dupree could finally find a new NFL home. Dupree spent his entire 2023 campaign with the Falcons, recording the most productive season since 2020 with Pittsburgh.
Originally selected as the No. 22 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Kentucky product was able to record 6.5 sacks, 39 tackles and a pair of forced fumbles. He isn’t a starter by any means but he provides depth for a team that needs a linebacker. This would be the case for the Chargers and Steelers since they already have their hard-hitting starting pass-rushers. Eight-time Pro Bowler Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa are the starters in Los Angeles while All-Pro T.J. Watt is leading the pack in Pittsburgh.
Dupree has a high chance of a reunion in Atlanta where he’ll likely be the starter for them. The projecting starters for the Falcons are Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter, combining nine sacks and three forced fumbles while playing with Dupree. However, the Falcons were able to select Washington product Bralen Trice, after having 18 sacks in his final two collegiate years. It was a slow uphill battle for Dupree’s career in his first two seasons before becoming a starter in 2016.
However, he had a breakout year in 2019 where he tallied a career-high 11.5 sacks while helping the Steelers have the fifth-best scoring defense. Last season was the focal point that he could still play in the league generating interest from teams.
53-Sack Free Agent Bud Dupree Visits With Teams, Signing Could Come Soon
What’s the Right Fit?
It seems logical that the Kentucky product would want to return to Atlanta for more playing time. Despite working out with the Chargers, he’s still in the position to return to Atlanta after Calais Campbell’s departure. It seems like they won’t be having any veterans on their team this season if they don’t bring back Dupree either. However, the Steelers have been active this free agency after signing four former Falcons, including Scotty Miller and Cordarrelle Patterson.
The Steelers and Falcons look like the only teams that need depth in their pass-rushing unit. The Kentucky product could land somewhere that will probably get him a ring. It’s looking like the Chargers are the team to be on under the new regime with Jim Harbaugh. However, the Steelers need an edge rusher after not re-signing Markus Golden which leaves a void on the depth chart.
He would join second-year pro Nick Herbig as a primary backup to starters Watt and Alex Highsmith. Dupree is the best available linebacker in this free-agency class so that means there will be plenty of teams that could express interest. Here are some other potential destinations for Dupree.
Potential Destinations
The Kansas City Chiefs are an intriguing destination for Dupree if he wants to play as a backup for Nick Bolton. The position isn’t the biggest need but some depth would help prevent the offense going on the field often. However, the Cowboys need some more linebacker depth after adding Eric Kendricks this free agency and Marist Liufau from the draft. This means the loss of Leighton Vander-Esch will give the team a new outlook under the new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer.
One final destination that could make sense is the Baltimore Ravens. They may need another physical hit-stopper to complement Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy. It would probably be logical since they’re almost complete on their roster in their quest for a Super Bowl ring.
