Bud Dupree Returns to Chargers: Veteran Pass Rusher Re-Signs in Post-Bosa Era
As NFL teams continue reshaping their rosters in preparation for training camp, one veteran defender has found familiar ground. Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and seasoned edge rusher Bud Dupree is rejoining the Los Angeles Chargers, agreeing to a one-year, $6 million contract, as first reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport on June 5.
This marks a second straight season in Los Angeles for Dupree, who played under head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2024 and showed enough value to earn another deal. At 32 years old, Dupree enters his 10th NFL season, bringing with him a résumé full of production, resilience, and a proven ability to bounce back.
From Pittsburgh Roots to National Recognition
Bud Dupree’s NFL journey began in 2015, when he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft (22nd overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers following an impressive college career at Kentucky. During his six seasons in Pittsburgh, Dupree developed into a key component of one of the league’s most feared defenses.
In that span, he compiled:
- 231 total tackles
- 169 solo tackles
- 54 tackles for loss
- 39.5 sacks
- 8 forced fumbles
- 2 fumble recoveries
- 1 interception returned for a touchdown (pick-six)
Dupree was known for his speed off the edge and disruptive presence in the backfield, routinely applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. However, his time with the Steelers ended on a sour note when he tore his ACL during his final season in Pittsburgh — a setback that not only derailed the team’s defensive momentum but also impacted his impending free agency.
Tennessee Tenure and Injury Setbacks
Despite the injury, Dupree landed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. The Titans gambled on his upside, hoping to bolster their pass rush with a proven producer. Unfortunately, Dupree’s tenure in Tennessee was marred by persistent injuries and inconsistency. He played in just 22 games across two seasons, far below expectations for such a lucrative deal.
With diminishing production and availability concerns, the Titans released Dupree after just two years, opting to move forward with younger, healthier options.
Rebounding with the Atlanta Falcons
Looking to rebuild his value, Dupree signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2023 season. This time, he managed to stay on the field, suiting up for 16 games and playing a meaningful role in Atlanta’s defensive rotation. His final stat line included
- 39 total tackles
- 17 solo tackles
- 8 tackles for loss
- 6.5 sacks
- 2 forced fumbles
- 3 passes defended
While not a Pro Bowl-level campaign, Dupree’s durability and flashes of disruptive play helped reestablish his standing as a dependable edge rusher capable of contributing to a contending team.
Chargers Era Begins with Harbaugh
That belief led to his initial signing with the Chargers for the 2024 season, coinciding with the arrival of head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was tasked with reshaping the franchise’s identity. With stars like Joey Bosa on the roster, Dupree wasn’t expected to be a centerpiece — but he carved out a solid role nonetheless.
Appearing in all 17 games, Dupree delivered:
- 28 total tackles
- 18 solo
- 6 tackles for loss
- 6.0 sacks
- 10 quarterback hits
- 2 passes defended
- 1 forced fumble
Those numbers, while not elite, were enough to convince the Chargers to run it back with Dupree, particularly in light of major changes to their defensive front.
The Bosa Departure and Defensive Reset
The most notable shift on the Chargers’ defense came with the departure of Joey Bosa, the former All-Pro and longtime defensive cornerstone, who signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency. Bosa’s exit left a glaring hole on the edge, and while the Chargers are expected to look toward younger options in the draft and through internal development, retaining a veteran like Dupree provides stability and leadership.
Dupree may not be the explosive sack artist of his Pittsburgh days, but he’s a reliable rotational piece who understands the grind of an NFL season. His experience, combined with his improved health, gives Los Angeles a stopgap solution while they build around younger talents.
What This Means for the Chargers’ 2025 Defense
Bringing Dupree back for another season likely signals that the Chargers want continuity and mentorship in a locker room undergoing transition. With Bosa gone and Harbaugh’s physical, trench-focused brand of football taking shape, edge rushers like Dupree offer more than just stats — they offer toughness, accountability, and depth.
In a system where multiple edge defenders will be rotated frequently, especially in Harbaugh’s aggressive fronts, Dupree figures to see consistent snaps on passing downs and could be leaned on as a tone-setter for the unit. His knack for creating turnovers and disrupting timing makes him a valuable contributor, even if his best years are behind him.
A Career at a Crossroads—Again
For Bud Dupree, this deal with the Chargers is more than just another contract. It’s a chance to cement the final chapter of his career with consistency and productivity. After stops in Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Atlanta, and now Los Angeles (twice), Dupree has seen every phase of NFL life — from rising star to injury-prone question mark to reliable veteran.
With over 40 career sacks and a reputation for professionalism, he’ll be counted on not just to perform, but to guide a younger room of pass rushers still trying to find their footing. And if injuries hit the Chargers’ front seven — as they often do in a long NFL season — Dupree may once again find himself thrust into a larger role.
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