Bud Dupree and Shaquil Barrett filing franchise tag grievances for higher pay

Two franchise-tagged defenders are looking for higher pay in 2020.

There was a hefty amount of news surrounding franchise-tagged NFL players on Friday. Earlier in the day, Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons informed the team that he’ll sign the franchise tender this weekend.

But things got testy for Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who told the team that he’ll agree to his deal only if they pay him as a defensive end. After filing a grievance with the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree did the same an hour later, even though he signed his tender back on April 23.

Barrett and Dupree want to be paid as defensive ends

As linebackers, both Barrett and Dupree would stand to earn $15.8 million for the 2020 season. Yet, if they were to be tagged as defensive ends, they’d make $17.8 million for the upcoming campaign. You can’t fault them for getting an extra $2 million in salary.

While both are classified as 3-4 outside linebackers, they were primarily used as pass rushers this past season. It’s important to note that Matt Judon of the Baltimore Ravens was tagged as a linebacker even though he was also used as an edge rusher. To avoid a grievance, both sides compromised on a $1 million raise, allowing Judon to earn $16.8 million in total this upcoming season.

This past season, Barrett lined up as a pass rusher in 508 out of his 836 total snaps last season. In total, Barrett recorded 58 combines tackles, 37 quarterback hits, 19.5 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Dupree, on the other hand, recorded 68 total tackles, 17 quarterback hits, 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles on 980 defensive snaps.

Both players have agreed to play for the upcoming season, but we’ll see if they’re successful following their grievance hearings.