Former Atlanta Falcons sack leader finds new home

Bud Dupree signed with the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2023 season and finished tied for the team lead in sacks with 6.5. He had a one-year contract and was a free agent until Saturday night, according to a report from Ian Rapoport.

“Veteran Bud Dupree signs 2-year deal with Chargers worth $6 million base with $10 million cap value, source says. Another post-draft addition,” wrote Rapoport on.

The Falcons were still involved with Dupree last week according to Adam Schefter. However, with what looks like $6 million guaranteed by the Chargers, Dupree will double what he made with Atlanta last year.

He has been a great addition to Ryan Nielsen’s offense. He’s done a good job of giving the edge to the run support while providing a consistent, if not dynamic, presence in the pass rush.

Atlanta finished last in ESPN’s passing win rate metric and waited until the third round to draft an edge rusher when they took Bralen Trice from Washington.

Dupree and Calais Campbell were tied for the team lead in sacks in 2023. Like Dupree, Campbell also had a one-year deal, and the soon-to-be 38-year-old is in no rush to get to camp training. with any team.

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Campbell was also a candidate to return to the Falcons. While it’s not completely out of the question, the Falcons chose three defensive linemen in the draft, including trading a second- and third-round pick to take Clemson’s Ruke Orhorhoro at No. 35 overall.

The addition of Orhorhoro along with fourth-round pick Brandon Dorlus and sixth-round pick Zion Logue gave the Falcons a younger, deeper defensive line, making a reunion with Campbell unlikely.

Dupree joins a considerably deeper roster in Los Angeles with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. The Falcons, meanwhile, are hoping to find a steal in Trice and third-year pro Arnold Ebiketie is taking another step after recording 6.0 sacks last season.