Why Bud Dupree Was Not Cut and Why It Could Still Happen

Tennessee Titans edge rusher Bud Dupree was not a part of the Titans’ initial cuts this week, but it could be due to a quirk in the salary cap rules. Dupree’s future in Nashville is still very much in the air.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans got the roster moves rolling earlier this week when they cut four veteran players in Taylor Lewan, Robert Woods, Zach Cunningham and Randy Bullock. A lot of folks expected Bud Dupree to be a part of the initial wave of cuts, but Dupree was not released by the Titans.

According to one of the most respected cap analyst in the football community, Dupree not being cut may be a result of a quirk in how roster moves must happen. Dupree has a partially guaranteed salary in 2023 and because of that, the Titans cannot release Dupree until March 15, the beginning of the new league year.

Regarding Bud Dupree not being a part of the #titans cuts so far. He has a partial salary guarantee in 2023 which pretty much means the Titans have to wait until the start of the new league year to release him

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) February 23, 2023

Whether the Titans should cut Dupree is still a valid question though. Dupree has been a disappointment since signing prior to the 2021 season. The Titans have unquestionably been a better defense when Dupree is on the field, but he simply hasn’t been on the field enough. Dupree has only played in 22 of the possible 34 games for the Titans over the last two seasons and he has left a lot of games early as well.

When Dupree has been on the field, as mentioned earlier, the Titans’ defense is better, but Dupree hasn’t produced on the field enough to justify his price tag since signing. Dupree has yet to have even 20 tackles in a season and has only seven sacks combined. For a player with a $20 million cap hit this year, that is unacceptable.

So, the expectation should still be that Dupree is cut by the Titans, but we may not hear that news until mid-march. Dupree’s cut would save the Titans $9 million dollars, but leave a little over $10 million in dead money. This may cause the Titans to release Dupree with a “Post 6/1” designation. If the Titans choose to cut Dupree with this designation, they would save $17 million with just over $4 million in dead money. The savings from Dupree would not be available until after June 1, however.

This still makes sense even if the Titans don’t have access to the Dupree savings during March free agency because the Titans can use the money in June to sign their draft class, sign veterans cut during training camp or to make moves during the season. Also worth noting the Titans could look for a trade for Dupree between now and March 15. No, Dupree won’t garner a major return, but getting a sixth or seventh round pick for a guy you are intending to cut anyways could make some sense for the Titans.

Dupree, of course, could end up back with the Titans, though having him as $20 million on the cap is not feasible. Dupree could have his contract restructured to be more manageable. At this time, that kind of move would seem like a mistake so the expectation should still be that Dupree is cut, but when and how it is executed remains to be seen.

Taylor Lewan Released: In an expected move, the Tennessee Titans have officially released left tackle Taylor Lewan. With Lewan's release, it appears likely that Tennessee will begin looking for a new long-term starter at left tackle, whether through free agency or the draft. CLICK HERE

Robert Woods Released: According to a report from Jordan Schultz, the Titans are releasing veteran wide receiver Robert Woods. The move will clear $12 million in cap space while leaving behind $2.6 million in dead money. CLICK HERE

Titans' Free Agent Fits - Offensive Tackle: The biggest need the Tennessee Titans have on the roster right now is at left tackle. There will be a bevy of viable options to fill that need in free agency this offseason, at all price points. CLICK HERE