It’s a busy Friday for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After reportedly signing OT Le’Raven Clark, the team is hosting former Steeler OLB Bud Dupree for a visit. That’s according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who tweeted the news moments ago.
Dupree was the team’s first round pick in 2015. After battling injuries early in his career, he broke out in 2019 with 11.5 sacks. He parlayed that into a long-term deal with the Tennessee Titans but after suffering a torn ACL late in the 2020 season along with other injuries, he struggled with the Titans and had only seven sacks across two years. With a new GM in place, the Titans released him at the start of the new league year.
For his Steelers’ career, Dupree started 66 games, recording 39.5 sacks and forcing eight fumbles.
The Steelers reportedly had “interest” in Dupree earlier in the offseason, a report now confirmed by his impending visit.
Dupree would be experienced and provide known depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. However, age and health along with his price tag are concerns. But if Pittsburgh feels comfortable with all those things, a reunion makes sense. If Dupree signs, he’ll be brought in as a #3 to play behind Watt and Highsmith, someone who can rotate between LOLB and ROLB.
