Steelers Lose Bud Dupree to Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers miss out on their former first-round pick.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are not bringing back an old friend, and despite efforts, will not re-sign outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who's off to the Atlanta Falcons, according to multiple reports.

Dupree reportedly had a contract from the Steelers but opted to take a one-year deal with the Falcons instead. 

The former first-round pick spent the last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans after leaving Pittsburgh to sign a five-year, $82 million. After struggling to get healthy after his ACL surgery, he recorded just seven sacks in two seasons, and is now off to Atlanta.

The Steelers were heavily in the mix on a Bud Dupree deal but Dupree preferred a one-year deal. Steelers prefer two-year deals on contracts of substance. So, Dupree is off to Atlanta, as @ZachKleinWSB said.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 14, 2023

Dupree found his footing near the end of his run with Pittsburgh, recording 19.5 sacks in 27 games during the final two years with the Steelers.

The Steelers brought Dupree in to test his health after finishing last season on Injured Reserve. After the meeting went well, the two sides departed but no negotiations were handled at the facility. 

After some time passed, the Steelers made a surprise cut, releasing backup outside linebacker Jamir Jones. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Pittsburgh offered Dupree a two-year deal, but he wanted to sign a one-year contract. So, he chose the Falcons as his next team.

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Patrick Peterson Tells Steelers Who He Wants Them to Draft

Report: Steelers Upset With Ohio State OT Dawand Jones

Steelers Considering Trading Up in NFL Draft, Likely for Two Players

Report: Steelers Have Spoken to Bears About Trading Up

Mock Draft: Steelers Make Blockbuster Trade Into Top 10

• Subscribe to the All Steelers YouTube Channel