Los Angeles Chargers Make A Huge Splash By Signing Former Pittsburgh Steelers Superstar

The Los Angeles Chargers are bringing back former Pittsburgh Steelers star edge rusher Bud Dupree.

On Wednesday, the Chargers announced that they have signed Bud Dupree to a contract extension. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is for one year and carries a max value of $6 million.

The 32-year-old Dupree signed with the Chargers last year and proved to be a worthwhile addition for Jim Harbaugh and company, recording six sacks, an interception and two pass breakups.

lock ‘em in

we've signed OLB Bud Dupree to a contract extension → https://t.co/AKUBoaPmtU pic.twitter.com/97453cRCEw

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 4, 2025

Los Angeles finished with the league’s No. 1 scoring defense, allowing just 17.7 points per game, en route to an 11-win season and return to the playoffs. However, the Bolts were crushed by the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round as their postseason victory drought extended to six years.

After spending nearly three months on the open market, the Chargers and Bud Dupree decided to continue the partnership. And bringing him back was a savvy piece of work by GM Joe Hortiz, considering they already lost one valuable edge rusher in Joey Bosa (released in a cap-saving move), who signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Dupree had his best season in 2019, when he logged 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three pass breakups with the Steelers. He recorded eight sacks, two forced fumbles and as many pass breakups in 2020, turning that production into a five-year deal worth $82.5 million from the Tennessee Titans in 2021 free agency.

He struggled mightily in Tennessee and finished with just seven sacks in two seasons there. Dupree regained his strong form with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, recording 6.5 sacks and three pass breakups.

Bringing Back Bud Dupree Was A Smart Move By Bolts

The pass rush has been one of the Chargers’ main strengths for a while, so bringing back Dupree on an affordable one-year deal was a low-key smart move. Dupree and Khalil Mack were an explosive pass rushing duo last year, and the Bolts need these guys to compete with the top clubs in the AFC.

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