On Monday morning, news broke that the Tennessee Titans were expected to release outside linebacker Bud Dupree, a move that was considered highly likely going into the offseason.
Like many people, we first saw the news on Twitter, which is typically where news breaks these days — but you wouldn’t expect Dupree to be in that same boat.
However, that was apparently the case. In a now-deleted tweet, Dupree stated he found out he was being released on Twitter.
“Damn, I found out on Twitter,” Dupree wrote.
One would think the Titans would notify the player first, but it looks like things might’ve gotten leaked before they had the chance.
Looks like Bud Dupree tweeted and deleted real fast pic.twitter.com/57fsoDfWmQ
— Nick Suss (@nicksuss) March 6, 2023
Whatever the case may be, the move to cut Dupree will save the Titans $9.35 million in 2023, while also costing a dead-cap hit of $10.85 million if done before June 1.
If done post-June 1, Tennessee would save $15.75 million and decrease the dead-cap hit to $4.45 million but wouldn’t be able to use that money until June, which is a big deal if the Titans are retooling and not rebuilding.
Dupree was a difference-maker when healthy and on the field, but his injury issues and overall lack of production was just too much to ignore for that price.
Now, the Titans are facing a situation in which outside linebacker has become a much bigger priority with Harold Landry coming off a torn ACL, and with Rashad Weaver not being a sure thing, either.
