Pittsburgh, PA – June 19, 2025
Former Steelers first-round pick Bud Dupree is publicly campaigning for a return to Pittsburgh — the city where he says he “became a man.” Now suiting up for the Los Angeles Chargers, the veteran edge rusher shared his heartfelt wish during a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, sparking emotional reactions across Steeler Nation.
"Pittsburgh’s where I grew up as a man, got married, had my first kid," Dupree said. "I wish it ended differently, but I’d love to come back, help this team win another ring."
The 32-year-old outside linebacker played six seasons in Pittsburgh, racking up 39.5 sacks in 81 games. His 2019 campaign was his finest, with 11.5 sacks and a commanding presence opposite T.J. Watt. He departed in 2021 after Pittsburgh, constrained by the salary cap, couldn’t match the five-year, $82.5 million offer he received from the Titans.
Since then, Dupree has had short stints with the Titans and Falcons before landing with the Chargers on a one-year, $3 million deal this offseason. Despite injury setbacks earlier in his career, Dupree registered 6.5 sacks in 2024 and remains a force on the edge. His return to Pittsburgh could offer valuable rotational depth and veteran leadership in a pass rush that still orbits around Watt.
The Steelers, now looking to make a legitimate Super Bowl push with Aaron Rodgers under center, have cap flexibility — $31.88 million in space per Spotrac — and several pressing needs, particularly at running back and along the offensive line. Dupree’s affordable price tag and experience could make him an ideal midseason addition.
Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged Dupree’s impact on the franchise but was quick to steer attention toward rookie edge rusher Kaleb Johnson, calling him “a different kind of explosive.” Meanwhile, GM Omar Khan remained noncommittal, reportedly prioritizing the pursuit of star cornerback Jaire Alexander as a bigger defensive upgrade.
Still, for many fans, Dupree represents more than production — he’s a connection to a gritty, playoff-tested era. Despite his ACL injury in 2020 and subsequent dip in numbers, his legacy as a blue-collar pass rusher endures.
Will the Steelers open the door for a reunion? Or will Dupree’s plea remain just that — a memory of what once was, and what might have been?
