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Los Angeles Chargers sign Bud Dupree, examining 2024 impact and role

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 5/11/24

The Los Angeles Chargers have reportedly signed edge rusher Bud Dupree, with the deal coming not long after the veteran pass rusher came in for a visit.

Dupree, a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, spent the 2023 NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons. As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter Dupree visited the Chargers on Thursday but had been receiving interest from both the Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bud Dupree career stats: 90 quarterback hits, 70 tackles for loss, 53 sacks, 15 pass deflections, 12 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries in 119 games

With two of his former NFL teams competing for his services, head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz had to make a hard push for the 31-year-old edge rusher. Despite his familiarity with the Steelers’ organization and head coach Mike Tomlin, the veteran edge rusher is officially headed to Los Angeles for the 2024 season and potentially beyond.

As first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Chargers are signing Dupree to a two-year contract. While terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, the agreement was confirmed by Dupree’s representatives at Athletes First.

Also Read: NFL defense rankings, see where Los Angeles Chargers rank

Examining Bud Dupree’s potential impact for the Chargers defense

Since entering the NFL in 2015, Dupree has only recorded one season with double-digit sacks (11.5 in 2019) in his pro career. He’s bounced around the league with four different teams since the 2020 season, but he has been relatively effective.

Bud Dupree stats 2023: 8 quarterback hits, 8 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks in 16 games

The sack totals last season – 6.5 in 16 games – are decent for a designated for an edge in his 30s who has been a journeyman in recent years. However, Dupree wasn’t especially effective last year in Atlanta.

As noted by Pro Football Reference, Dupree’s 6.5 sacks came in 724 defensive snaps. He finished last season with the 109th pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus, largely because he ranked 99th in pass-rush win rate (6.6 percent) and 86th in PFF’s Pass Rush Productivity (5.6).

However, that came as a starter with the Falcons’ defense. In Los Angeles with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Dupree will come off the bench to spell Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack when they need rest. Considering Bosa’s durability issues, adding Dupree to provide depth at the position is a solid move for Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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