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Should the Steelers bring back LB Bud Dupree?
Bud Dupree Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Should the Steelers bring back LB Bud Dupree?

The Steelers let LB Bud Dupree go in free agency two years ago. If they have a chance to bring him back this offseason, should they?

Dupree would have to be cut in order for anything to happen as it's unlikely Pittsburgh would trade for the 30-year-old. But his name has been thrown around as a cut candidate this offseason.

The linebacker signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Titans in 2021. However, Dupree has struggled to stay healthy, playing in 11 games in each of the last two seasons and totaling just seven sacks.

Tennessee could save nearly $10 million if it were to cut Dupree. The Titans were hoping they'd get the same production from Dupree that he had with the Steelers, but it hasn't panned out that way.

Dupree had 39.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries over his six seasons in Pittsburgh. 

A reunion with the Steelers may be all he needs to resurrect his career. Dupree wouldn't have to be a starter in Pittsburgh as it already has linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. 

The Steelers would let Dupree get fully healthy and potentially create a three-headed monster in Pittsburgh. But for now, Pittsburgh will have to wait and see what happens.

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker is a Pittsburgh-based sports journalist, primarily covering the NFL and college football. He previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22), Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-21) and University of Pittsburgh (2018-19). Becker has a B

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