Report: Bud Dupree Will Not Be Franchise Tagged

[Steeler Nation]

This is the news every Pittsburgh Steelers fan expected as it has been reported outside linebacker Bud Dupree will not be franchise tagged and will hit the free agency market. This doesn’t come as a shock to anyone given the Steelers lack of cap space and the high draft capital they spent on Alex Highsmith just a year ago. While it was expected, it doesn’t make it easier to hear Dupree will no longer wear the black and gold. The past two seasons Dupree has really come into his own and shown why the Steelers drafted him in 2015, producing 19.5 sacks in 27 games. The stats don’t paint the whole picture as Dupree was also superb as a run stopper and really cemented himself as a key component to the Steelers defensive success.

LB Bud Dupree, Pittsburgh’s franchise player last year, has been informed that he will not be franchised again this year, per league source. Dupree is headed to free agency.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2021

I believe I speak for all of SteelerNation when I say thank you six years in Pittsburgh, now go get the big money you deserve!

#SteelerNation

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[Sarge]

They can't afford to franchise him.

 

[LeXX75]

can't afford to franchise the Long snapper let alone an OLB

 

[Stryker]

can't afford to franchise the Long snapper let alone an OLB

Franchising a Long Snapper would be the most Steelers think I could think of...

 

[Djfan]

Franchising a Long Snapper would be the most Steelers think I could think of...

Don't they just draft them in Pittsburgh?

 

[Drink IRON City]

Don't they just draft them in Pittsburgh?

ONLY in rounds 2 through 4 but not later thaN.


We all knew BUD DUPREE was leaving, no shocker there. One needs to remember it took near 3 years for Bud to develop and move up from there. GIVE Highsmith some curtesy when evaluating him as well. Highsmith has shown great potential even in just his rookie year.



Salute the nation

 

[Djfan]

ONLY in rounds 2 through 4 but not later thaN.


We all knew BUD DUPREE was leaving, no shocker there. One needs to remember it took near 3 years for Bud to develop and move up from there. GIVE Highsmith some curtesy when evaluating him as well. Highsmith has shown great potential even in just his rookie year.



Salute the nation

His rookie year made Dupree's rookie year look like Sweed's rookie year.

 

[Atlsteelers]

Wow!! That's a shocker! What breaking news.

 

[Omar10213245]

Bud, best of luck out there, go get paid and tear it up ('cept when you play against the Steelers of course hehe)

 

[slashsteel]

I will miss Bud's bring a buddy and Bud no bringing a Steelers buddy wherever you end up. Unless it is Tomlin of course.

 

[bermudasteel]

Thank you for your service, Buddy. I have always been a fan of yours and wish you all the best...

 

[steelhurt]

Sorry to see Bud go for sure. He will be missed and difficult to replace unless Highsmith really steps up but still don’t think he’s in the same class as Bud.
Stay healthy Bud and don’t forget where you came from.