The Pittsburgh Steelers made it a priority to retain Bud Dupree this offseason, placing their franchise tag on him prior to free agency. Nearly a month after the Steelers used the tag on him, Dupree is officially signing the offer, per Dov Kleiman.

As a result of signing the franchise tag, Dupree is set to make $15.8 million with the Steelers in 2020. Compared to the other edge rushers in the NFL, Dupree is currently the fifth highest-paid edge rusher next season, in terms of base salary.

Back in the 2015 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh selected Dupree with the No. 22 pick out of Kentucky. In his first four seasons in the NFL, Dupree was unable to be consistent in his production on the field.

Altogether, during those four years, Dupree combined for 20 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, and just two forced fumbles. The former first-round pick failed to record more than 10 sacks in any of his first four seasons.

Despite his lack of consistent production, the Steelers exercised Dupree's fifth-year option in 2019. That decision would pay dividends as Dupree would have the best year of his career last season.

The former Wildcat, in the final year of his contract, would notch a career-high 11.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. Following his career year, the Steelers made it apparent that they plan on keeping Dupree for the rest of his career.

Even though he performed well in 2019, the jury is still out on whether Dupree can continually produce at a high level or not. Nevertheless, he'll get another season with the Steelers to prove that 2019 wasn't a fluke.