Entering final year of contract ‘fun’ for Steelers’ Bud Dupree

He can’t say with certainty where he will be employed seven months from now. Tens of millions of dollars are on the line.

Entering his fifth season, his career is at a crossroads with high financial stakes.

But is the pressure of entering a contract year weighing on Bud Dupree?

The Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker uses a much different word to describe it.

“It’s fun,” Dupree said Sunday before training camp practice at Saint Vincent. “It’s fun to me.”

The comfort of being guaranteed $9.23 million between now and the end of the year, indeed, might be fun, especially for a 26-year-old in the prime of his NFL career.

But there has been little indication the Steelers — the only team Dupree has known since being drafted No. 22 overall in 2015 — have taken steps toward working out a long-term extension with him.

Dupree pleaded ignorance, saying he doesn’t even ask his agent for updates.

“I just want to go out and play to the best of my ability,” Dupree said, “and have my best year yet.”

How that is measured is open to interpretation.

Using the simplest and most-relied-upon stat for a player at his position, sacks, it wouldn’t take too much for Dupree to have his best season.

His career high is six, set in 2017.

Dupree has 20 sacks over his four-year career — or fewer than the L.A. Rams’ Aaron Donald in leading the NFL last season.

Though a savvy front office always looks at the complete picture when evaluating a player, on the free-agent market, the guys with the most sacks get paid the most.

Bud Dupree unaware #Steelers could have pulled 5th-year option. https://t.co/csKPwe56ll

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) June 7, 2019

For his part, Dupree said pass coverage always has been a hallmark of his game, something he said coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Keith Butler recognize.

“They understand what’s at stake for me on a personal level,” Dupree said of his 2019 performance, “and also what’s at stake for me on the team.

“Certain 3-4 teams, they will see (I can cover) and know that I can do both and be versatile there and be all around the field.”

Dupree is leaner this season, though he said he still weighs about 260 pounds. He hopes that will make him a better player — all the better for the Steelers in 2019 and for his bank account thereafter.

“It’s fun,” Dupree reiterated about playing out a contract year. “That just is putting more fire up under you to have a great year. Guys (around the league) are having their best years in their contact year. Going out, confidence is key with yourself and within your team, your unit.”

A college teammate of Dupree’s who plays the same position, Za’Darius Smith, had his best season during a contract year in 2018. His 8½ sacks almost doubled his career production to that point, and Smith earned a four-year, $66 million contract with a $20 million guarantee from the New York Jets as a result.

Dupree easily could top that if he has a good 2019 — whether he gets it from the Steelers or from someone else.

He acknowledged this is “a big year” for him, and he said he “definitely” can see himself a Steeler beyond this season.

“I love the organization,” Dupree said.

But he apparently doesn’t love it enough to be willing to pursue a long-term extension from the Steelers before the season. Dupree sounded like he rather would bet on himself to improve his stock this fall.

“For one year, I’m going to go out and do my thing,” Dupree said. “I’m going to prove (myself). I’m going to help the team and not be selfish. Even though it is a contract year, I can’t be selfish. I have to make sure I am doing stuff that’s beneficial toward the unit as a whole and keep my hair on fire and keep playing to the best of my ability for the team, not only for myself.

“I’m out here, so it is what it is. I’m going to play my best. I’m going to do my best for them, and whatever happens happens.”

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