Every Pittsburgh Steelers fan knows that this season is going to be an important one for Bud Dupree. Dupree has been slightly disappointing for Pittsburgh for the past few seasons.
The Steelers linebacker stated that he “needs to finish plays this season” if he hopes to stick around. Dupree emphasized the fact that he didn't finish plays in 2018.
“I had a big opportunity last year to be in the conversation and I didn’t close the plays,” Dupree said. “I’m always in position. The plays are always there; it’s on me to finish those plays and easily have double-digit sacks. I’m trying to go out and reboot and finish those plays this season.”
Last year, the Steelers moved Dupree to the right side of the field so it could hopefully help him get better. Instead, the move helped T.J. Watt rack up 13 sacks while Dupree ended up with just 5.5.
Since being drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Dupree has yet to put together a consistent season. In his four seasons so far, he hasn't gotten more than six sacks in a season.
The Steelers are going to need Dupree to take a huge step forward to justify picking up his fifth-year option for 2019. The edge rusher is due $9.2 million in 2019 which is the ninth-largest cap hit for an outside linebacker in 2019. That's a lot for a guy who has yet to prove himself in the NFL.
Nonetheless, Dupree has his sights set on a breakout year in 2019 and hopefully he can finish plays unlike he did in 2o18.
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