Could Bud Dupree’s visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers be today? It sure looks like it. On his Instagram story Thursday morning, Dupree posted a photo of himself in the Steel City.
Multiple reports have indicated Dupree would be coming in for a visit sometime in the future. It seems like today is that day.
Now 30 years old, Dupree left the Steelers to take a long-term deal with the Tennessee Titans after the 2020 season, still receiving a five-year contract despite tearing his ACL. But his time with Tennessee was a bumpy one, recording only seven sacks over the past two seasons and struggling to stay on the field.
The Steelers’ first-round pick in 2015, Dupree broke out in 2018, notching 11.5 sacks. He was on his way to another double-digit season the following year when he tore up his knee. Pittsburgh is looking for veteran depth behind Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, having little of it last year when Watt suffered a pectoral injury that caused him to miss the first half of the season.
In eight NFL seasons, Dupree has recorded 46.5 sacks, 39.5 of those coming with the Steelers. He’d be a strong scheme fit in Pittsburgh and be able to rotate in at either outside linebacker spot.
Health and his price tag will be two key factors in determining whether Dupree signs. But if the team can clear both of those things, he’ll likely return to Pittsburgh for a second stint. Currently, the team has largely unproven depth at outside linebacker, highlighted by Quincy Roche and special teamer Jamir Jones.
UPDATE (5:32 PM): According to the PPG’s Gerry Dulac, Dupree held his visit today and had a physical but no deal has been reached. Per Dulac, contract terms were not discussed.
