Following the veteran’s unavailability during voluntary OTAs, the Los Angeles Chargers rumors have the team likely releasing edge rusher Bud Dupree before the 2026 campaign. After drafting Akheem Mesidor, there isn’t any room for the veteran, and after not attending voluntary workouts, it looks like Dupree could be anticipating a release soon. With the Chargers wrapping up their mandatory camp, they could release the veteran before training camp next month. Earlier in a Bleacher Report, they predicted that the Chargers would move on from the edge rusher, as they have six capable defenders who are phasing out the older veteran.
Also, he hasn’t been brought up in the latest conversations, and the 33-year-old is set to enter the 2027 offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Other than Mesidor, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Denzel Perryman and now Kyle Kennard, who Mack mentioned that he’s excited for his return. Where does that leave the 12-year veteran? They’re not going to trade him before the season, as he isn’t going to garner anything in return, given his age.
Chargers Rumors: LA May Make 61-Sack Vet Surprise Cut
Free Agency Bound?
Well, this is where it gets complicated. The Chargers extended the veteran’s contract last year and gave him a bonus that triggered this offseason. If they wanted to release him, they probably would’ve done it during free agency, but one can argue that they wanted to see what the veteran edge rusher could do in camp. However, with him missing voluntary workouts, is that a play they’d want to invest in even for an additional one-year extension?
Probably not the best decision. Still, the Chargers lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, so the more edge rushers, the better they’d be off. Unfortunately, Dupree is getting older, so a release won’t be surprising. Here are three contenders who may take a shot at him.
Next Contender Fits
New England Patriots
With the Patriots being connected to edge rusher Maxx Crosby this offseason, there are reasons to believe that they’re still looking for another edge rusher. While they drafted Gabe Jacas and signed Dre’Mont Jones, depth is still needed. Veteran Harold Landry has been brought up as a cut candidate, and if he’s released, that would leave Jacas with starter responsibilities. This is where Dupree could step in on defense, as head coach Mike Vrabel is always looking for veteran defensive powerhouses to fill in, especially when it comes down to the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Ravens have done a good job as well on defense, trading for Trey Hendrickson and drafting second-round pick Zion Young. However, there’s always work to be done. The team lost Dre’Mont Jones to New England, while Kyle Van Noy is still a free agent. The Ravens haven’t shown much interest in bringing back Van Noy, so that could open the door for Dupree to step in. There are also current free agent options, including Bobby Wagner, Matt Milano and Joey Bosa, but the Chargers veteran could soon be available as another option.
Whoever the Ravens can get here, at least one must be able to assist Teddye Buchanan and Tavius Robinson. The good news is that they still have Roquan Smith as a vocal veteran leader, but they still need one more. This isn’t to say that the Chargers’ potential free agent will be the long-term fit here, but he’d be able to streamline this edge rushing group.
Dallas Cowboys
Of course, the Dallas Cowboys should be interested in Dupree. With DeMarvion Overhown entering the final year of his contract, and while they drafted Jaishawn Barham, the need is still there in their edge rushing group. This is why they traded for Dee Winters during the draft, but there’s room for one more veteran. They also got Malachi Lawrence in the same draft class as Barham, but they still could use another edge rusher to step in to help the new trade acquisition, Rashan Gary.
