Bud Dupree Rumors: Steelers FA LB's Market 'Seems Especially Strong'

The free agency market for edge-rusher Bud Dupree "seems especially strong," according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network:

Rapoport added that Dupree's recovery from a torn ACL is going well and "teams aren't concerned about it at all. This could be a guy that ends up near or at the top of the pass-rush market." 

Dupree, 28, was having a solid season before the injury, registering 31 tackles (eight for loss), eight sacks, 15 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles in 11 games. That followed a breakout 2019 season that saw Dupree post 11.5 sacks. 

His loss would be a big one for an excellent Steelers defense that finished 2020 third in both points (19.5) and yards (305.8) per game. The Steelers also finished first in sacks (56). 

Because the Steelers have excellent pass-rushers in T.J. Watt (15 sacks in 2020) and Stephon Tuitt (11 sacks), however, Dupree may end up being a cap casualty and priced out of a Pittsburgh return. The Steelers used the franchise tag on Dupree last season but decided against doing so again this offseason. 

Pash-rushers are always valuable, and the market has been kind to them thus far in free agency. Shaquil Barrett is reportedly returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a four-year, $72 million deal, per Rapoport, while the Detroit Lions are bringing back Romeo Okwara on a three-year, $39 million contract. 

The market should be significant for Dupree. He should be one of the next shoes to drop amongst the available edge-rushers.