ESPN suggests former Steelers player could return to Pittsburgh in 2023
ESPN thinks it's possible that the Pittsburgh Steelers could reunite with one of their former players this offseason. But it would require another team to make a move first. ESPN's Brooke Pryor thinks a reunion with linebacker Bud Dupree could make sense this offseason, but he would need to be released by the Tennessee Titans […]
ESPN thinks it's possible that the Pittsburgh Steelers could reunite with one of their former players this offseason.
But it would require another team to make a move first.
ESPN's Brooke Pryor thinks a reunion with linebacker Bud Dupree could make sense this offseason, but he would need to be released by the Tennessee Titans first.
There's also linebacker Bud Dupree to consider. While he isn't a free agent, he carries more than a $9 million 2023 cap hit for the Tennessee Titans, who are already cutting players because they're short on cap space. Dupree, who signed with the Titans in 2021, hasn't matched the production he had in his final years in Pittsburgh. Dupree has seven sacks in two seasons and played in 11 games each year.
Even in an injury-shortened 2020, Dupree recorded eight sacks for the Steelers after racking up 11.5 the year before. Cutting him would save the Titans a significant amount of money, and the Steelers could fill a need with a reunion signing. The Steelers have undeniable talent at the position with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, but Watt's lengthy injury absence last year showed a lack of depth that adding Dupree would help remedy.
Dupree hasn't lived up to expectations in Nashville — which is why it's possible that he could be released.
A reunion with Pittsburgh, despite his down play, could still be a smart move for the Steelers.
Dupree wouldn't be expensive and he knows the culture/defensive scheme. He could hit the ground running and immediately give the Steelers some depth and also a player that's still capable of making impact plays.
The Titans still need to make several moves to improve their cap situation, so I'd keep an eye on Dupree's status.
Featured image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
