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10 NFL players who will be a letdown in 2021

By Randy Gurzi

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws the ball during open practice at SoFi Stadium on June 10, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 10: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws the ball during open practice at SoFi Stadium on June 10, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2021
Bud Dupree, Tennessee Titans (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

4. Bud Dupree, EDGE, Tennessee Titans

One of the biggest signings this offseason was Bud Dupree, the former Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rushing outside linebacker who landed a five-year deal worth $82.5 million. It was a huge contract and it might have been a bit of a surprise as well considering Dupree ended 2020 with a torn ACL in Week 12.

He’s not expected to be ready to go early in the season and while that’s not a deal-breaker, it is a concern. As is the fact that Dupree might not be ready for a No. 1 pass-rushing role, which is what he will have in Tennessee.

A first-round pick in 2015, Dupree never had more than six sacks in a season for his first four years. Then when he entered 2019 on the final year of his contract, he broke out with 11.5 sacks. He was then hit with the franchise tag and was able to notch eight sacks in 11 games before the injury.

The problem is, his two most impressive seasons came when he was seeking a contract and they also coincided with T.J. Watt turning into one of the best pass-rushers in the game. Now without Watt soaking up double-teams, Dupree will be trying to rehab a serious injury and will be the one facing the double teams. That’s not a great recipe for success.

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