Could Steelers Sign Bud Dupree to 1-Year Contract after ACL Injury?

With most of the conversation focusing on players like Ben Roethlisberger, JuJu Smith-Schuster and T.J. Watt, there’s another key Steelers player with his future very much in doubt.

That player is Bud Dupree, who is a free agent and in search of a new NFL contract. While fans always knew it was possible 2020 was Dupree’s last in Pittsburgh, one of the most tenured NFL reporters thinks there’s actually hope the 27-year-old linebacker could be back as a key contributor to the Steelers defense. During an appearance on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan, longtime NFL reporter John Clayton said he feels Dupree’s ACL injury may reduce his value on the open market and lead Dupree signing a 1-year deal worth about $6 million.

A $6 million 1-year contract would be team-friendly as the Steelers look to work around salary cap concerns, but significantly less than the type of deal a player of Dupree’s caliber would normally command. Spotract.com has estimated Dupree’s market value to be around $18 million per year on a four-year contract.

Of course, that may sound like good news for Steelers fans. Dupree was playing at a very high level prior to his season-ending injury. But the possibility of signing for just one year, instead of a big long term contract, doesn’t seem to be something Dupree himself is too excited about.

😂😂😂😂

— Big Bud (@Bud_Dupree) January 27, 2021

Dupree joined NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Wednesday, and shared encouraging news regarding his rehab from the torn ACL that ended his 2020 season.

“I’m feeling great right now,” Dupree said. “I’m ahead of schedule in rehab. It’s a great thing as always, it’s a blessing.”

What the market will actually be for Dupree’s services certainly depends on if other franchises feel he can get back to form and be fully recovered for next season.