Steelers LB Bud Dupree files grievance for pay increase

Steelers Bud Dupree filed a grievance earlier this week with NFLPA to be tagged as a DE, not a LB, per source. If he wins, he would be paid paid $17.788M on the tag rather than $15.828M slotted for LBs.

Two sides have engaged in long-term contract talks, but nothing is imminent

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 10, 2020

Earlier in the offseason, we talked about the Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Bud Dupree missing an opportunity to make some extra money on his franchise tag. After seeing Baltimore Ravens edge rushed Matt Judon get his franchise tag bumped up based on the role he plays in the defense we wondered why Dupree didn’t do the same.

It seems Dupree was wondering too as he has finally filed a grievance with the NFLPA to get the number on his franchise tag increased to $17.88 million which is what a defensive end gets as opposed to the $15.828 paid to linebackers.

In Judon’s case, the Ravens agreed to take the average of the two salaries paying him $16.8 million for 2020. With precedent in place, this might be the best option for Dupree as well. It’s a full $1 million raise for the season and closer in line to what he believes his value is to the team.