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
