NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- That edge pass rusher the Titans have been in dire need of struck a deal with the team, and while Bud Dupree's ACL rehabilitation may spill into training camp the team clearly believes he will be worth the wait.
Tennessee is turning to the Steelers' free-agent outside linebacker to help cure its pass-rushing woes, according to Ian Rapoport.
It's their second addition to the defensive front on the first day of free agency courtships. Earlier the Titans agreed to terms with defensive end Denico Autry.
The moves should transform an anemic defensive front that produced a woeful 19 sacks last season while allowing opponents to convert 51.9 percent of their third downs. [Unlocked]
Dupree tore the ACL in his right knee in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh's Dec. 2 win over Baltimore, before which he had eight sacks in 11 games.
He posted this on Jan. 14.
Once he's completely healthy, he's automatically the Titans' best outside linebacker. He and Harold Landry will be the two starters.
The team would be wise to add at least more players at the position to develop a rotation that doesn't require either to play too heavy a load of snaps.
Landry played 94 percent of the Titans' defensive snaps last year after Shane Bowen spoke of the need to reduce his workload from 2019's 86 percent. Dupree played 91 percent of Pittsburgh's snaps in 2019, when he had 11.5 sacks.
A first-rounder out of Kentucky in 2015, Dupree was a very good player with the Steelers. But he was not their best pass rusher. That was T.J. Watt and the front was loaded, with Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt on the defensive line as well.
In Nashville, Dupree will have to step forward and be more of a lead guy.
I'm certain he relishes the opportunity that comes with a multi-year deal with a reported $16.5 million average salary.
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