The Falcons have a few sore spots leading into the draft, but they’ve remedied one of those in a big way over the last couple of weeks. First, they signed Calais Campbell, and today, they’ve added another veteran in Bud Dupree.
Falcons to sign LB Bud Dupree to a 1-year deal worth up to $5M. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/DXO1cchUrQ
— NFL (@NFL) April 14, 2023
Dupree isn’t going to transform Atlanta’s pass rush by himself (if he wants to, he’s more than welcome to), but he adds to a front seven that maybe has seen the most improvement of any team in the NFL.
The Falcons have been in the bottom five for sacks for what feels like a decade, and Dupree has had some big seasons. His best year came in 2019 when he notched 11.5 sacks. Dupree is coming off of a year in Tennessee in which he recorded four sacks and a forced fumble. The Falcons are doing what I’ve been preaching, building a competent rotation before worrying about getting one big-time pass rusher, and Dupree came at a reasonable price at $5 million.
I like the pickup, there’s very little risk and potential for a high reward. It’ll be interesting to see if the Falcons keep making these smaller moves in free agency as the draft approaches, truly allowing them to pick the best player available.
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Photographer:Â Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire
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