Despite interest from both parties to make a reunion happen, the Pittsburgh Steelers were unable to sign EDGE rusher Bud Dupree. The Steelers’ 2015 first-round draft pick instead joined the Atlanta Falcons a little over a week ago, and today he had his introductory press conference.
And a revelation.
“A funny story is some people who I know, they [are] die hard Steeler fans and always hated the Falcons,” Dupree said during the press conference that was streamed via the Falcons’ team website. “Soon as I signed, I saw them throwing their jerseys away from the Steelers and they said they’re going to buy Falcon jerseys. So that’s always a plus that I made some people relinquish their fandom.”
A funny story but also somewhat odd that these people wouldn’t have relinquished their fandom to go to the Tennessee Titans when Dupree signed there as a free agent in 2021. Dupree was great toward the end of his career in Pittsburgh before an ACL tear. He left in free agency in 2021.
As a Steelers in 2019 and 2020, Dupree racked up 19.5 sacks and played a big role in the defense’s return to dominance. Unfortunately for Dupree, his time in Tennessee was not as successful, recording only seven sacks and dealing with injuries. His lack of production, injuries, and price tag led to him being cut this offseason.
The Falcons signed Dupree to a one-year deal, which will allow him to try hit free agency again next year. If the Falcons can get the 2019 Dupree back that will be great for them as they look to make the 2023 playoffs in a bad NFC South.
It’s unfortunate that Pittsburgh could not get Dupree — and might have lost a few fans in the process. Although I bet the Steelers aren’t too worked up over the couple of fans they lost after Dupree signed with the Falcons.
