Pittsburgh Steelers, outside linebacker Bud Dupree signed his franchise offer just under three months ago, but earlier this week he filed a grievance with the NFLPA to be classified as a defender rather than a linebacker, said a source at ESPN.
Designated as linebacker, Dupree would earn $ 15.828 million by playing on the franchise tag. Defensively, Dupree’s one-year salary would increase by $ 2 million to reach $ 17.788 million. The two sides also have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal, and although there have been talks, nothing is imminent, the source said.
Dupree is technically an outside linebacker in the Steelers 3-4’s basic defense, although he has often lined up on the line of scrimmage as an edge rusher – which would be considered a defensive end. Dupree can argue the designation of the tag according to its use.
According to Next Gen Stats, Dupree’s defensive positioning at the time of last season’s snap was determined to be “EDGE” – 1-2 meters from the line of scrimmage – on 827 of its 929 defensive snaps played last season (89 %). It’s the most clichés like “EDGE” among all Steelers last season and right behind Chandler Jones of Arizona among all NFL players.
Dupree is the second linebacker to file a grievance to be reclassified, joining Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett.
With Dupree playing under the franchise label as a linebacker, the Steelers currently have $ 5.67 million in ceiling space.
Dupree, 27, originally signed his offer on April 23, just hours before the NFL draft. A first-round pick in 2015, Dupree became a regular starter in the last three years of his rookie contract and organized a career season after the team chose their fifth-year option for the 2019 season.
By anchoring the linebacker against TJ Watt, Dupree accumulated an 11.5 sack in career with 16 tackles for the loss and 17 hits. He also forced four escapees.
He has 200 tackles, 31.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 1 interception in five seasons.
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