Bud Dupree

[EzraTank]

Look, I like Clay Matthews. Seems like nice guy. Definitely a hard worker and a team player. But he is not the future at OLB for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Playing high level defense without Bud Dupree was going to have to happen at some point. Prior to yesterday afternoon, that time was the start of free agency when Dupree left for a big a$$ contract somewhere else. Now, it starts on Monday.

The Steelers need to figure out if Highsmith and Toledo Alphabet Soup can be the answer opposite TJ Watt. If they can not, I would rather know NOW and have a free agent and draft cycle to address the problem. They get 5 pressure packed NFL games to see what Highsmith and Ola can do.

I'm not talking about signing him to a 5 year deal. I'm talking about signing him to finish this season as a pass rush specialist. The guy is sitting at home not playing, I'm sure if an 11-0 team called him he'd agree to a deal for league minimum to finish this year out. If Matthews wants to play longer he gets a free preview to other teams and we get a guy that could help us win NOW, this year.

I agree that we need to see what Highsmith and Ola can do but what if someone else goes down? I don't care if we sign Matthews and he plays 10 downs a game, it would just be nice to have a veteran there in case. I felt the same way about Williamson. Spillane was/is playing great so he's still starting but Williamson is getting more snaps now and it's nice to have that cushion. Imagine if Vince Williams missed that game when he was on the COVID list?

After this year we are going to let Williamson walk anyhow, we could easily do the same with Matthews.

[SteelMember]

Bud is a significant loss...

Actually 2 Toledo LB's on the roster. Adeniyi and Elliott... Elliott is listed as backup to Highsmith on that side.

So, we will roll with Highsmith and see if he can produce as well as Spillane with the "next man up" snaps.

[Mojouw]

I'm not talking about signing him to a 5 year deal. I'm talking about signing him to finish this season as a pass rush specialist. The guy is sitting at home not playing, I'm sure if an 11-0 team called him he'd agree to a deal for league minimum to finish this year out. If Matthews wants to play longer he gets a free preview to other teams and we get a guy that could help us win NOW, this year.

I agree that we need to see what Highsmith and Ola can do but what if someone else goes down? I don't care if we sign Matthews and he plays 10 downs a game, it would just be nice to have a veteran there in case. I felt the same way about Williamson. Spillane was/is playing great so he's still starting but Williamson is getting more snaps now and it's nice to have that cushion. Imagine if Vince Williams missed that game when he was on the COVID list?

After this year we are going to let Williamson walk anyhow, we could easily do the same with Matthews.

I guess. Not a horrible idea...it may all depend on if Matthews is in shape or not?

[EzraTank]

I guess. Not a horrible idea...it may all depend on if Matthews is in shape or not?

This is the key.

[EzraTank]

Just read on CBSsports that someone suggested they sign Terrell Suggs. He's 38 and last played on the Chiefs last year (winning a ring). Interesting.

[steel striker]

I knew it looked bad that really bites. He was having a great year.

[that1guy]

The injury to Bud effects more than just this seasons defense it may impact the draft. Do the Steelers sign Dupree to a long term deal in the off-season after the early struggles and now the injury? The Steelers could opt to let him walk and draft his replacement early in the 2021 draft ,this would push dire needs offensively to the back burner. If (and this is just speculation) the Steelers win the Superbowl Ben will retire and the QB situation beyond Ben is on par with Jacksonville/Denver. I dont want to turn this into a draft conversation but the Steelers need to draft a QB and feature RB high in the 2021 draft. I personally would like to see Dupree signed and the future of the organizations attention focused on the Offense

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I still think that some team is gonna pay Dupree very well in free agency, even if coming off the ACL injury. Steelers will likely let somebody else set the market on him and I doubt they match the offer. Didnt want to see it go out that way, but I feel like 80% chance that he isnt a Steeler next season.

[86WARD]

Look, I like Clay Matthews. Seems like nice guy. Definitely a hard worker and a team player. But he is not the future at OLB for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Playing high level defense without Bud Dupree was going to have to happen at some point. Prior to yesterday afternoon, that time was the start of free agency when Dupree left for a big a$$ contract somewhere else. Now, it starts on Monday.

The Steelers need to figure out if Highsmith and Toledo Alphabet Soup can be the answer opposite TJ Watt. If they can not, I would rather know NOW and have a free agent and draft cycle to address the problem. They get 5 pressure packed NFL games to see what Highsmith and Ola can do.

I’d prefer to win a Championship this season and then figure out the future next season...so whomever gets us there I’m good with. Just get there and win it!

[JayC]

i think most of us, myself included had a negative opinion on bud after his first few seasons but he ended up turning it around and being worthy of where he was picked in the draft. if this was his last game as a steeler, i wish him the best of luck. i hope he doesn't sign within the division or on the cheatriots.

[katmandu]

Could be his last game as a Steeler.

Could NOT have been a worse way to go. Playing a such a high level, on top of the worlds and then BAM !! Life fukking sucks like that sometimes.

STEELER NATION LOVES YOU BUD !

[ETL]

I like bud and I’m going to say something selfish.

I hope he takes the reasonable contract with the Steelers next year.

[Rotorhead]

I like bud and I’m going to say something selfish.

I hope he takes the reasonable contract with the Steelers next year.

This

[EzraTank]

I like bud and I’m going to say something selfish.

I hope he takes the reasonable contract with the Steelers next year.

I hope teams steer clear of him because of the ACL and the Steelers give him a 1 year sweet deal so we can have him, Bush, Watt and Williams for one more year! Of course if Ben retires then it's time for a mini-rebuild.