The Last of Bud Dupree

I think we've seen the last of Bud as a Steeler now. I don't think anyone believes that the Steelers will be able to poney up the money he'll get in free agency as a top edge rusher. You could see the frustration he had with his injury in a contract year. He's set to make some big time Benjamin's.

Anyhow it's interesting to recall the backlash at Dupree in his first three seasons. The past two have been solid with him having more of a motor this year. That's not surprising to me. I always thought the guy was going balls out this year with the amount of money he can get in free agency. I know I would.

So best of luck to Bud Dupree it's been fun. Hope he doesn't go down as a distant memory playing for another team like so many other players have. We'll see.

 

I would not begin signing the first lines of "Farewell Alvin" just yet. Given how late he tore his ACL, Bud may or may not be 100% come 2021. Some teams will be cautious to throw money at him like crazy; COVID 19 still running wild doubly so and no less. There are too many things now working against Dupree now. For that matter, here is what Dupree had on his Instagram;







That does not look the post of a man who is ready to cash in. For that matter, NFL Teams might be even more hesitant to sign him because of what happened to Jadeveon Clowney. Different players yes but the concerns for both remain the same in terms of injury. Overall, as insidious as this may be, the Rooney's might actually be able to pull this off....



.... for an immense price.

 

If anything this injury may bring his price down for the Steelers to resign him. He knows that it will probably be his best chance to win a SB if Ben returns.

 

It all depends on how much money TJ Watt wants, how Highsmith performs, and what Dupree wants to do. If Highsmith is anything close to Dupree, Bud is gone.

 

If he has to settle for a one-year, $10 million prove-it deal, would you all want to sign him? Let's assume he wouldn't be back to full speed until October.

 

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports...washington-football-team/stories/202012030151

 

The remaining games will tell us a lot about needing him back or not.

 

Again though, ACL injuries, while no longer the career killers they once were, are still very time consuming and difficult to come back from. What is worse is the time said injury takes place in. Given how late in the season Bud sustained his injury, Bud might not even be ready for the 2021 season as said injury takes a minimum of nine months to heal; 12 being the best case scenario. I seriously doubt too many teams are going to line up now and take Bud while expecting him to be 100% come 2021.


In addition, when I stated immense price, I believe you may have misunderstood. Bud can come back... but some big pieces are likely on their way out if that is the case; Joe Haden, Vince Williams, JuJu Smith Schuster, to name a few.

 

Little off topic but I will never forget the playoff game where I honestly though he killed the QB for Miami. Not trying to be funny but the cameras followed the throw and there was this strange gasp in the crowd.
With that acceleration and that kind of mass coming at you I am surprised the Qb (Moore?) even got up.

 

I wish Bud nothing but the best in his recovery and the hard work he has in front of him.
I might have knocked him a few times in his first few years, I never questioned his effort or motor .
He was one dimensional as an edge rusher often taking himself too far up field, he also struggled to get off of blocks in the run game.
The last two years he has corrected both those issues and has played the best ball of his career.

I feel bad for dumping on him after seeing comments from Watt, it seems Bud is a very good team mate and a an unselfish human being.
Both are very good traits to have, I'd hate to see Bud move on but it would take some serious cap magic to keep him.

 

They could just let Watt play 2021 on his 5th year option.

 

If I had to bet we are going to see a drop off in our pass rush. Time for butler to earn his money

 

Yes. I would like the Steelers to resign him long term but not at a franchise player price. We overpayed Woodley to play second fiddle imo. Now if Bud was a leader of the defense through his play on the field or even one of the top 3 guys teams worried about when game planning our defense I'd reconsider.

 

With a guy that has proved himself you do not want that, 5th year option and franchise tag can lead to a frustrated player. TJ has earned that contract.

 

I would agree, except the one player we have not heard a lot from is Hilton. If he is completely healthy I think we get a huge boost from him.

 

So were going to lose 3 starters to keep a now injured Dupree? or more?

Highsmith was drafted to take his place. They knew he was going to want a big payday and its was not going to happen here. They have so many other pressing needs and guys to sign.

 

I really hope it works out for Bud, no matter where he ends up. He did what he needed to do to have a nice payday.

 

Idk if Highsmith was drafted to replace Bud but more like insurance at that position until they can spend some draft capital on another lb. Steelers love a first round linebacker.

 

I said it is a possibility. I never stated such an idea to beneficial or a certainty. All I am stating is that Bud's amount of suitors have gone down significantly.


Whether or not he remains with the Steelers due to this remains to be seen. We all will have to wait and see.

 

I think we have seen the end of Bud Dupree. Lets face it we can't keep
everybody we would like. The Steelers have always paid their players right up to the cap numbers,
With the cap reducing and other key players to sign, Bud will be one of many we could lose.

 

I think it’s still possible we can retain Dupree. It’s a shame, but the injury may drive his price down.

 

Right! People are going overboard...Bud isn't that good!

 

He has improved over the last 2 years I believe with a Butler foot up his @ss. But it took 4 years previous to get to this point.

Having the best OLB on the other side doesn't hurt either. I don't feel Dupree is a franchise pass rusher.

His last 2 seasons has earned him a nice payday, but now with the unfortunate injury who knows.

We all should give Highsmith the same time limit although I have a feeling it won't take him that long to blossom.

 

They need to do what's best for their salary cap situation, Watt will get his money, the 2021 cap may not go up so it could be tough to get him done in 2021.

 

Does anybody actually heard if BUD had the ACL operation yet? Not sure if I missed it but haven't heard anything about it.