Bud Dupree will be looking for new NFL home when free agency window opens

Bud Dupree turned 30 years old in February and will play his ninth season in the NFL in 2023. However, the Kentucky product needs to find a new home.

After two seasons in the AFC South playing for the Tennessee Titans and head coach Mike Vrabel, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the outside linebacker will be a roster casualty as general manager Ran Carthon is starting a roster rebuild in Nashville.

“The Titans are expected to release pass-rusher Bud Dupree, sources say,” Rapaport reported on Twitter. “The former big-ticket FA (free agency) signing who was due $17M (million) this season. More player turnover to reallocate resources, as another veteran pass-rusher hits the market.”

Titans expected to release OLB Bud Dupree. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/AhPzfQDzwR

— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2023

In two seasons with the Titans, Dupree accumulated 55 pressures for a 9.0 percent pressure rate with eight total sacks. Unfortunately, that production was limited due to unavailability. The Kentucky product and former first-round pick missed 12 games over two seasons with the Titans.

Dupree was in Lexington for the first two seasons of the Mark Stoops era and was named a team captain in 2014. That season the Georgia native became one of the top EDGE defenders in college football recording 74 tackles and 8.5 sacks before entering the NFL Draft and spending six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Before the 2021 season, the Titans inked the edge rusher to a five-year, $82.5 million contract. The franchise is deciding to get out of that deal after two seasons. The class of 2011 signee will now be looking for a new home on a contender as Bud Dupree is likely beginning the final chapter of his pro football journey.

NFL free agency officially begins on March 15.