The Steelers made a little bit of a head-scratching move Wednesday morning when they announced the release of LB Jamir Jones. Is it a hint of what’s to come?
Jones signed his exclusive rights tag earlier this offseason, which brings questions surrounding the release. The most popular idea seems to be that LB Bud Dupree is heading back to Pittsburgh where he started his career.
The Steelers hosted Dupree about two weeks ago but there were no reports that a deal was ever made, which is a rarity as not many players visit and leave without a contract.
The biggest concern heading into the visit was Dupree’s health as he played in just 11 games in three straight seasons. Maybe Pittsburgh has finally reached a level of confidence in the veteran linebacker’s health to bring him back.
Dupree, who is 30, hasn’t looked the same since joining the Titans in 2021. He has just 35 tackles, seven sacks and two forced fumbles in the last two years in Tennessee. While he totaled 231 tackles, 39.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles during his time in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are in dire need of edge rusher depth behind linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Dupree could be that player, if healthy.
Only time will tell if the two sides will decide to rejoin forces, but it now seems closer than ever.
