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The Pittsburgh Steelers have informed linebacker Bud Dupree that they will not be using the franchise tag on him, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dupree, who was franchised by the Steelers last year, will now move on to free agency.
After hitting his stride with 11.5 sacks for Pittsburgh in the 2019 season, Dupree, who turned 28 in February, was on course for another solid season in 2020 before suffering an ACL tear. in Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens.
He told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler in early March that he planned to participate in a full-fledged NFL training camp based on the positive feedback from his medics.
Playing on the franchise tag after the two teams were unable to strike a long-term deal, Dupree had 8 sacks, 31 combined tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits on the season. last.
The 2019 season marked her healthiest season since being taken by the Kentucky Steelers in the first round of the 2015 Draft. Forming a fierce tandem with TJ Watt, Dupree recorded 17 quarterback hits and 16 tackles for the loss.
Not only was Dupree a fundamental piece to the Steelers’ strong defense, but he was also a glue guy, tying the locker room together with his upbeat demeanor and personality. He ended his Steelers career with 66 starts, 39.5 sacks, 169 solo tackles, 54 tackles for a loss, an interception return for a touchdown and 65 quarterback hits.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.
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