The Pittsburgh Steelers have let captain Bud Dupree know they will not use the franchise label on him, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dupree, who was concentrated by the Steelers last year, will now go to free agency.
After Dupree, who turned 28 in February, struck out 11.5 bags for Pittsburgh during the 2019 season, he was on track for another strong season in 2020 before suffering a torn ACL in Week 12. against the Baltimore Ravens.
He told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler in early March that he planned to be a full participant in an NFL training camp based on positive feedback from his doctors.
Dupree played on the franchise label after the two parties failed to reach a long-term deal, and last season had 8 bags, 31 joint dives, 8 losses for loss and 15 quarterback hits.
The 2019 season was his healthiest season since being taken out of Kentucky by the Steelers in the first round of the 2015 draft. Dupree, who formed a fierce tandem with TJ Watt, recorded 17 quarterback hits and lost 16 tackles.
Not only was Dupree a fundamental piece for the Steelers’ solid defense, but he was also a glue guy who bound the locker room with his optimistic attitude and personality. He completed his Steelers career with 66 starts, 39.5 tackles, 169 solo tackles, 54 tackles for loss, an interception return for an offense and 65 quarterback hits.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.