Even though the Falcons drafted three defensive linemen a couple of weeks ago, the club was still monitoring the free agent market.
Bud Dupree completed a visit with the Chargers but had also been talking with the Steelers and Falcons about a pair of potential reunions; however, over the weekend, Dupree inked a deal to join the Bolts out West, according to Jeremy Fowler.
Source: Edge rusher Bud Dupree is signing with the #Chargers.
Dupree takes his 53 career sacks to Jim Harbaugh’s defense. pic.twitter.com/isJgdaoPFL
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 11, 2024
The Falcons drafted three defensive linemen in Ruke Orhorhoro, Bralen Trice, and Brandon Dorlus. All three are versatile players that can move up and down the line of scrimmage, which makes the Falcons pursuit of Bud Dupree a bit puzzling.
I’m not arguing that a proven pass rusher wouldn’t benefit Atlanta because it certainly would and is something I’ve been pounding the table for all offseason. However, I’m confused about their process (once again).
The Falcons needed a pass rusher like Dupree all offseason, regardless of what they did in the draft. So, I’m a bit confused as to why they waited until after the draft to pursue him.
I mean, what could’ve happened in the draft that would’ve made them feel comfortable with their current group? Drafting four straight defensive linemen?
Atlanta still has an unproven pass rush, outside of Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata. The Falcons want to bolster the pass rush with Bud Dupree two weeks after the draft, but not enough to get a deal done with the veteran before the draft.
Bud Dupree isn’t going to make or break the Falcons pass rush, but this is just another disappointing outcome for one of the worst units in the league.
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Photographer: Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire
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