Logo

Former Steeler Wants to FINISH CAREER WITH THE STEELERS

Bud Dupree, a former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick, has expressed a heartfelt desire to return to the team that launched his NFL journey, sources told ESPN. The veteran edge rusher, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, hopes to finish his career in the Steel City.

Dupree, who turned 32 in February, shared his aspirations on The Pat McAfee Show. “I WANT TO FINISH MY CAREER WITH THE STEELERS, THE TEAM THAT MADE ME AN NFL STAR AND OWNS MY LOYALTY,” he declared. The 2015 first-round pick (No. 22 overall) plans to play another 2-3 years before hanging up his cleats.

Drafted out of Kentucky, Dupree spent his first six seasons with the Steelers (2015-2020), amassing 19.5 sacks and 165 tackles across 81 games. His breakout year came in 2019 with 11.5 sacks, showcasing his potential as a dominant pass-rusher alongside T.J. Watt, per NFL.com.

Bud Dupree has been a high impact player for the Pittsburgh Steelers -  Behind the Steel Curtain

After leaving Pittsburgh, Dupree signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2021 but struggled with injuries, managing just 7 sacks over two seasons. He joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, then the Chargers in 2024, where he recorded 4 sacks in the past season, per Spotrac.

The Steelers’ defensive line, featuring Watt, Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and rookie Derrick Harmon, remains formidable, but depth is a concern after losing Larry Ogunjobi. Dupree’s familiarity with Teryl Austin’s 3-4 scheme and his veteran leadership could make him a valuable addition, per The Athletic.

Dupree’s return would also resonate emotionally with Steeler Nation. “Pittsburgh is where it all started for me,” he reflected. “I owe so much to this city and its fans.” His tenure with the Steelers included a 2015 playoff run, though a severe ACL injury in 2020 cut his time short, per Steelers Depot.

Fans on X are buzzing with excitement. @Blitz_Burgh posted, “Bring Dupree back! He’s still got it!” Ian Rapoport noted, “Dupree’s sentiment reflects a growing trend of veterans wanting to end where they began.” The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016, falling to the Buffalo Bills (4-13) in 2024, per CBS Pittsburgh.

With a $32 million cap space, the Steelers could make a move for Dupree in 2026 or 2027. A homecoming could provide the defensive boost—and emotional lift—needed to end their playoff drought and cement Dupree’s legacy in Pittsburgh.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

Tre'von Moehrig Lavishes Praise on the One Who Replaced Him in His Absence
Can you believe it? A veteran star of the Carolina Panthers, Tre'von Moehrig, was suspended for a notorious "punch below the belt," but instead of being jealous, he's showering praise on his "replacement"! What's going on with this team? Read now for the "hot off the press" details from Week 13! The Carolina Panthers just caused an earthquake by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, despite missing a slew of key players. Under the "wizardry" of head coach Dave Canales, the team showcased incredible resilience. But the real spotlight belongs to Tre'von Moehrig – the Panthers' top safety, who's sidelined due to a suspension after punching wide receiver Jauan Jennings from the San Francisco 49ers below the belt. Yet, instead of sulking, Moehrig watched from home and... "went wild" over the performance of the rookie who stepped in for him! That's none other than Lathan Ransom, the young gun selected in the 4th round of the draft, who "stole" Moehrig's spot and turned it into his own stage. Ransom not only led the team with 11 tackles but also made his mark with a "top-notch" sack! Moehrig, with his wealth of experience, couldn't hide his excitement: "Man, I was hype (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see it all as the play was happening. I was like, Oh, there you go. I could see it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. Sky's the limit for him." (Translation: "Oh man, I was so hyped (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see everything as the play unfolded. I was like, Oh, there you go. I saw it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. The sky's the limit for him." This "sweet as honey" praise from Moehrig not only affirms Ransom's talent but also raises the question: Is this "replacement" threatening the starting positions of Moehrig and Nick Scott – the current starting safety duo? Panthers fans have been "whispering" about this for a while, after witnessing Ransom shine in summer practices and his flashy cameo appearances. With this impressive performance, Ransom is sure to get more opportunities, especially as the Panthers are "heating up" in the race for the NFC South championship! At 23 years old, Ransom is seen as a "rough diamond" with explosive potential, thanks to the Panthers' sharp personnel strategy. And Moehrig? This guy was signed as a "bargain" from the free agent market, and his leadership and positive attitude have completely transformed the team's defense in just his first season. That influence is spreading strongly to Ransom – the kid who shares many similarities and is gradually "transforming" into a future star. But that's not all – the lesson from Moehrig is accelerating the "youth revolution" at the Panthers! With this public praise, Moehrig isn't just acknowledging Ransom's growth but also igniting ambition for the entire team. Will the Panthers continue to "soar high" with this new generation? Don't miss out – follow now for the next drama in the NFL!