According to Ian Rapoport, Bud Dupree has filed a grievance in the hopes that he will be paid as a defensive end instead of linebacker.
The franchise tag, according to PFT, is $15.828 million for linebackers and it's $17.788 million for defensive ends.
The Ravens found themselves in a similar situation with Matt Judon, and wound up splitting the difference paying him $16.8 million.
So for Bud Dupree it's worth a shot, right?
How good is Dupree's case? According to Pro Football Focus, he dropped into coverage about 50 times last year. He also played edge in a ton of four-man fronts.
Either way, I think this was a smart move by Dupree and his agent.
This doesn't make him a villain. Steelers fans hear "franchise tag," and I think they get night sweats thinking about Le'Veon Bell.
Dupree is not the next "Juice." He's not going to sit out this year if he doesn't get what he wants.
Bell told Jeremy Fowler before a playoff game that he was thinking about retiring. Bell mislead teammates into believing that he was going to come back and then he didn't. TWICE.
Dupree is simply taking a stab at getting a couple extra guaranteed mil in his pocket. He doesn't have a long term contract worked out, and it seems unlikely that one will get done before the July 15th deadline. He was in Paul Brown stadium when Ryan Shazier saw his career end tragically and abruptly.
Football is a dangerous game. These players are trying to get the most out of their bodies before they give out on them.
I don't have an issue at all with Bud Dupree's attempt here. He's not the next Le'Veon Bell.