The Chargers announced an extension agreement with EDGE Bud Dupree on Wednesday evening. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Dupree's new deal is worth up to $6 million for the 2026 season.
Los Angeles signed Dupree to a two year, $6 million deal (worth up to $10M) in free agency last May. In 2025, his cap number is currently projected to be $3.625 million. This new extension for 2026 could drop his current cap his slightly. The reported value of $6 million from Rapoport is tied to incentives, so his actual cap hit value for 2026 is most likely lower.
Chargers lock up Dupree on an extension
Dupree totaled 27 pressures and six sacks in the 2024 campaign. Despite being more of a rotational cog in Jesse Minter's defense, the 10 year NFL vet still played 570 snaps for the Chargers. 18 run stops on defense was the highest single-season figure for Dupree since his 2020 campaign with Pittsburgh.
While not necessarily a heavily impactful move going forward, Joe Hortiz and the Chargers' front office pride themselves on having proper depth at each position. Khalil Mack is on a one year deal and essentially plays from a season to season basis at this point. With Dupree's extension, the Chargers will now have Tuli Tuipulotu, Kyle Kennard, and Dupree rostered for the 2026 season.
The Chargers are likely not done handing out extensions this offseason. At some point, there will need to be a resolution for LT Rashawn Slater as he heads into the last year of his rookie deal. Considering Dupree's extension, LA may also look at bringing back some of their other impending free agent depth players back early.
On paper, the Dupree deal seems like a fine extension for both sides. The veteran EDGE rusher gets a little bit of long term security while the Chargers won't be forced to make as many moves for pass rushers in next year's free agency and draft.