Steelers: Bud Dupree laughs off reports of underwhelming contract offers

The free agent linebacker couldn’t help but laugh at a reported lowball contract offer.

The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ season ended way earlier than many expected, as they were destroyed by the rival Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card Round. Now, the Steelers have limited cap space with 18 players set to hit the open market, one of whom is linebacker Bud Dupree. It’s no secret that the edge rusher is going to come at a steep price, but one insider lowballed him!

During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, John Clayton revealed that he expects Dupree to sign a one-year, $6 million in free agency due to him coming off a torn ACL. Dupree replied to a tweet with that information with four laughing emojis.

Dupree is likely to come at a more expensive price

While Steelers fans would love for the team to bring back Dupree at that price, we’re going to be honest with them. That’s not going to happen. Given that there are plenty of teams with need for a quality pass rusher, Dupree’s price is only going to increase.

Dupree was actually supposed to be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2019 season, but was brought back to the Steelers on a franchise tag worth $15.8 million. After putting up 11.5 sacks the year prior, Dupree was actually on pace to catch and possibly exceed that number. But that came to an end in Week 12, when he tore his ACL against the Baltimore Ravens.

Through 11 games, Dupree recorded 31 tackles (eight for loss), 15 quarterback hits, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defended.

Dupree will have some competition in free agency, as Shaquill Barrett of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Matt Judon of the Baltimore Ravens are ranked at the top of the outside linebacker market. Even with the knee injury, Dupree should have plenty of suitors this offseason.

In case teams wanted to know Dupree’s asking price, he let them all know that $6 million for one year won’t suffice.