Linebacker Bud Dupree has signed his franchise tender, according to an announcement from the Steelers. Assuming he’s tagged as a linebacker, Dupree will be slated to earn over $16MM. If he pushes back and manages to get tagged at the defensive end position, he’ll be set for $18MM+.
Of course, Dupree and the Steelers will have until July 15 to hash out a long-term contract regardless of the tag value, and given that Pittsburgh is right up against the cap, both player and team are likely hoping they can get that done. Though Dupree had not exactly lived up to his billing as a 2015 first-round draft choice prior to the 2019 campaign, he had a terrific platform year, piling up a career-best 11.5 sacks while also displaying some ability in setting the edge against the run.
Though there was some thought that the Steelers could look to trade Dupree after slapping him with the franchise tag, that no longer appears to be in play. Instead, the club will head into the 2020 campaign (and probably beyond) with a fearsome Dupree-T.J. Watt combo that will keep opposing QBs awake at night. Indeed, the Steelers ranked third in defensive DVOA last season (first against the pass), and if they can get a healthy season out of QB Ben Roethlisberger, they could certainly make a return trip to the playoffs.
If the two sides do work out a multi-year pact, it would not be surprising to see the Kentucky product land something in the neighborhood of a five-year, $80MM deal, with around $30MM or so fully-guaranteed. That might seem high for a player who hasn’t made a Pro Bowl yet, but given the importance of edge rushers and Dupree’s well-timed breakout, it would be in line with his open market value.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
This news probably doesn’t warrant a BUD LIGHT celebration but I’ve been in isolation too long (glug, glug) to really care.
The fact that he signed on Draft Day makes me think a Tag and Trade is coming. That would be the best thing for the Steelers.
Only makes sense if they are trading for another OLB that could start in place of Dupree. They have no viable replacement on the roster and would not get one ready to play even in the first round. It took Watt most of a year to get comfortable and producing. They are looking to compete now and losing Dupree without an NFL ready replacement would be foolish. That is why the tagged him to begin with.
This is going to be the make or break year. They have some pieces and should make a run but they don’t have enough to get past KC or BAL. How Ben plays this year will ultimately determine where they will sink resources going into next year.
Well Lamar Jackson is the Madden cover athlete. He’s probably praying the curse is still obsessed with destroying AB’s life to pass on him like it did Mahomes
Well, since it skipped Mahomes last year, probably will land with both feet on Jackson.
Anybody think there is truth to a rumor of Steelers trading their 2nd round pick to the Pats for all of their 3rds & a 5th ????
I think that would be a great deal. Steelers are pretty much set in their lineup and could use depth.
Not having a 1st or 2nd is not a great way to build out depth.
You need to actually get some quality players, not just quantity.
History says Steelers find quality in any round
Except 2nd round seems to usually be a bust.. sans Bell