Free-agent LB Bud Dupree will be ready for training camp despite suffering torn ACL in December?

Pass-rusher Bud Dupree has thus far played only for the Pittsburgh Steelers since joining the team and league via the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft and remained with the organization for the 2020 season via the franchise tag. 

The same won't happen this time around, as the 28-year-old went down to a torn ACL playing against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 2. Despite that setback happening so late into the season, Dupree told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN that he expects to be a full participant in training camp sessions for some NFL team based on information he's received from his doctors. 

Dupree tallied 11.5 sacks in 2019 and then followed that up with eight quarterback takedowns in 2020 before he was sidelined by the injury. While he has remained in contact with the Steelers, Pittsburgh is staring at numerous salary-cap difficulties and currently has a $15.5 million cap deficit, per Fowler. 

Pro Football Focus predicts Dupree may have to agree to a one-year "prove it" deal to show that he'll be more than just physically able to be in a lineup for Week 1 of the 2021 campaign. PFF links him with the Indianapolis Colts on a single-season agreement that includes $7.5 million in guaranteed money and could be worth up to $10 million total.