Bud Dupree

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		152	349	61.0	2
2025		16	16	2.0	0
2024		17	28	6.0	1
2023		16

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Chargers took a flier on declining veteran pass rusher Bud Dupree with a one-year, $6.0M deal that earns a D+ CVI — a slight overpay for what amounts to depth insurance at outside linebacker. While $6M AAV isn't franchise-breaking money, it's premium pricing for a player who has settled into depth piece territory after his productive Pittsburgh years gave way to disappointing stints in Tennessee and Atlanta. At 31, Dupree is firmly on the back nine of his career, making this more about veteran leadership and spot duty than expecting any resurgence as a consistent pass rush threat. The minimal guaranteed money ($2.5M) does provide the Chargers some flexibility to move on if Dupree can't contribute meaningfully, but they're still paying starter money for what projects as rotational production. This feels like the kind of move where Los Angeles is hoping Khalil Mack's presence and their defensive scheme can squeeze some remaining juice out of a fading pass rusher, though the contract value doesn't align with realistic expectations.

Performance Analysis

Bud Dupree earns an F for the Chargers at linebacker, a former Pro Bowl pass rusher whose career has been completely derailed by injuries. Dupree once terrorized quarterbacks as part of Pittsburgh's dominant defense, but that version of him is long gone. His speed off the edge has evaporated, and he is no longer a threat to get to the quarterback with any consistency. The Chargers took a flyer on him hoping for a veteran presence, and the return has been virtually nothing. Dupree's story is a cautionary tale about how quickly an NFL career can change, and the current chapter is not a happy one.