All eyes on Bud Dupree's worth post 2019

Bud Dupree hasn't met his potential since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving all attention on his play during his fifth-year option.

The Steelers outside linebacker is set to make over $9 million this season. A fifth-year option for a former first-rounder isn't bank-breaking, but it isn't cheap. Pittsburgh put faith in finding out whether or not Dupree is worth a long-term deal, but now, the outcome of that year is on the edge rusher himself.

At this point, the expectation is low. No one is looking at Dupree to be a 10-plus sack contributor. That's because so far, he hasn't show he can be. Even if the beginning was dealing with injuries, Dupree still never showed that spark that left people thinking he'll hit that superstar level. 

Which is where he needs to be. Five years into his career, Dupree is sitting on a make-or-break season. Either he shows he's a future All-Pro or he turns into a career backup. Certainly not a player the Steelers want sitting in their starting lineup with a major contract underneath him.

For Pittsburgh, finding someone to replace Dupree's talent will be easy. Making 2019 another important year for the linebacker. His most important one yet.