The Tennessee Titans began making roster cuts last week, but one of the players who was expected to be let go, outside linebacker Bud Dupree, wasn’t among them.
At the time, I speculated that perhaps the Titans are trying to deal Dupree, hence their decision to wait on letting him go — but there is another possible explanation for why nothing has happened yet.
Per Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap, Dupree has a partial salary guarantee in 2023 that basically forces the Titans to wait to cut him until the start of the new league year, which is March 15, the first official day of free agency.
Regarding Bud Dupree not being a part of the #titans cuts so far. He has a partial salary guarantee in 2023 which pretty much means the Titans have to wait until the start of the new league year to release him
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) February 23, 2023
Technically we are still in the 2022 league year. Guarantees always accelerate into the current league year regardless of release date. All 2022 cap room is gone and carried over
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) February 23, 2023
In the mean time, the Titans should be looking for a trade partner to unload Dupree on. It isn’t crazy to think they can find one, either.
Granted, teams knowing the Titans will likely cut him won’t help their cause, but any team acquiring Dupree would only be on the hook for $9.35 million in 2023, which isn’t bad, even for an oft-injured edge rusher who, when healthy, has the potential to make an impact on a win-now team.
Another plus in trading for Dupree instead of waiting for him to hit the open market is there will likely be less competition for his services.
As far as what Dupree would net the Titans in draft capital, chances are it won’t substantial. Tennessee would likely receive a Day 3 pick, but that’s better than letting the veteran go for nothing.
