By: CJ Lester
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers have until 4 p.m. EST today, July 15, 2020 to come to a long-term contract extension with OLB Bud Dupree. If the team and Dupree are not able to agree to terms to a deal by the deadline, Dupree will have to play under the franchise tag for the 2020 season and table extension talks until the 2021 off-season. Four days ago, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Dupree filed a grievance with hopes of playing under the DE franchise tag as opposed to the LB tag. If Dupree wins the grievance, the team will have to pay him close to an additional $2 million to play under the franchise tag for the 2020 season. It is no secret that the Steelers GM Kevin Colbert wants the edge rusher to be a “Steeler for life.” However, it has been reported that the two sides are not yet close to an agreement.
Dupree finished the 2019 season with 11.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 68 combined tackles, 49 solo tackles, 17 QB hits, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. The 2019 season was Dupree’s best season since he was drafted in 2015. Some fans are skeptical with the thought process of “he only performed as well as he did because it was a contract year.” On the other hand, I feel that Dupree is coming into his own as an edge rusher. Sometimes, players take time to develop and this is one of those cases I do believe.
The clock is ticking for Dupree and the Steelers. With the deadline inching closer, it is most likely that the two sides will not reach an agreement today. Frankly, whether Dupree and the Steelers reach an agreement before today’s 4 p.m. deadline or he has to play the 2020 season under the franchise tag, look for the edge rusher to match last season’s stats or improve further. Yinzers, let’s face it, Dupree is trending up and the team should reward their own players for performing well!
Do you think the Steelers will eventually sign OLB Bud Dupree long term? Sound off in the comments section below, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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