The Los Angeles Chargers added another reliable veteran to their outside linebacker group. The team announced over the weekend that they had signed veteran free agent OLB Bud Dupree to a contract.
The Chargers didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Dupree inked a two-year deal worth $6 million. Dupree could earn a total of $10 million if he meets performance-based bonuses.
Dupree spent 2023 with the Atlanta Falcons, putting together a strong campaign that saw him play in 16 games and deliver 6.5 sacks. He added 39 tackles, eight QB hits, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
Dupree, who was a first-round pick in 2015, previously also played with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans. His best season as a pro came in 2019 when he had 11.5 sacks, 68 tackles, 17 QB hits, and four forced fumbles as a Steeler.
The Chargers are already loaded on the outside linebacker position, with Pro Bowlers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack penciled in as starters. However, it made sense for the franchise to add some depth to the position, considering that Bosa has been injury-prone in recent years, missing 19 games in 2022 and 2023 combined, while Mack is entering the twilight of his NFL career.
