Bud Dupree's time with Chargers could come to an end before Week 1

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The Los Angeles Chargers have high expectations for the 2026 season. The team has to be tired of postseason disappointments, but the roster on paper still seems like one of the best in the league.

The defense returns most of its top contributors from the 2025 season, and they added a few nice playmakers as well. Whenever new talent is added, it means there's some familiar names that could be forced out.

After OTAs and minicamp, signs are now pointing to one particular veteran, Bud Dupree, being on his way out.

Why Bud Dupree could be cut

Well, for starters, Dupree's production went way down from 2024 to 2025. In 2024, Dupree's first in Los Angeles, the veteran racked up six sacks, six tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits.

In 2025, Dupree only collected two sacks, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. It was a disappointing season for the veteran, and the Chargers only got deeper on the edges this offseason.

Chris Roling of Chargers On SI recently identified Dupree as a likely cut candidate.

"Given everything around Dupree, it feels like he already has one foot out the door. Dupree is 33 years old and had just two sacks last year, down from the six in 2024," Roling explained. "The Chargers still have Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, plus drafted Akheem Mesidor in the first round."

As Roling mentioned, the Chargers already have Mack, Tuipulotu, and the rookie Mesidor. That's not even mentioning Kyle Kennard and Nadame Tucker, who have promise.

If the Chargers cut Dupree, they can save over $2 million, which also doesn't help his case.

Dupree could be nearing end of road

If Dupree does get cut, it will be interesting to see if there's any interest on the market. He's 33 years old and coming off a bad season, so he could have a hard time finding an impactful role.

However, it hasn't been that long since Dupree was a useful piece. The veteran had at least six sacks in both 2023 and 2024, and he had a career-high 11.5 back in 2019. Dupree has never been an elite edge rusher, but he's been above-average at his best and could probably still help in a rotational role.

The problem is, the Chargers just have many other quality edge rushers who have more long-term potential. It will be interesting to see if they find a way to keep the veteran around, or if they prefer to move on before Week 1.