Measuring a 5th year players productivity to a rookie?? hmmm...my eyes tell me Watt outplayed Bud the Dud quite significantly. I'm excited about Watts future although being molded by Tomlin/Porter/Butler does concern me given their overall track record.

Can you imagine the controversy if Bud the Duds 5th year option isnt picked up??? I dont think even Tomlin would be dumb enough to not pick that option up now, is he??

They will almost certainly pick up the option or sign a new deal. I would, too.

Well ya optics aside whats the alternative?...he probably deserves the extension all things considered (barely) but they really have no choice either

I’d be happy if the Dupree that put the hit on Miami’s QB in the playoffs couple years ago showed back up.

I think he lefts his balls on the field that day because since then he’s been playing like a huge pussy.

Dupree doesn't deserve a new deal

Based on what? He's been pretty good at what they've asked him to do. He's far, far superior to Jarvis and, IIRC< thy picked up Jarvis's 5th year.

They did not pick up his option.

With respect to Dupree, maybe they ask him to drop back in coverage more because of what he can't do - get to the QB by beatng an OT. It's a bit of a chicken and egg thing.

B2B, you seem to be an advocate for Dupree, which is fine. But do you at least acknowledge his inconsistency to play the run? His lack of anything resembling a pass rush move? I just don't see how you can justify paying him almost 10M in 2019.

C'mon B2B, does Dupree make plays like he should be at this point in his career?

4 full years and has he even improved?

Yup. Set aside elite. His pass rash is meh. But for the sake of argument, grant B2B that THEY are looking at Dupree as a premier cover OLB. WE may want him to be a rushing stud, but that is irrelevant. Is he at least very good in coverage, assuming (again, for the sake of argument) that's what they are most concerned with? (Most concerned does not mean unconcerned with pass rush, just thinking about Tomlin's comments about how the OLB role evolved.)

I agree, but its a pretty damn sad state. I am guessing we over pay too.

I think Dupree had the most TFL vs the run on the team this year.

Inconsistent? Yes. What they ask him to do... I have no idea. I know he dropped back a lot and I know he did beat OTs on occasion. I think they intentionally had him try to push the QB up into Heyward/Tuitt/Hargrave, which seemed to work. That's where a lot of their sacks came from. When he did run stunts, he did beat blockers and generate pressure.

I'm not an advocate, I'm just loathe to jump on the dogpile about anyone. I think it's reactionary and emotional-- not logical.

I think it's more likely they sign Dupree to a longer deal.

To reiterate:

FS
Coverage ILB
Burns
Regression of Hargrave
Tuitt health

All much, much more serious issues than Bud Dupree.

If they have bigger problems - which is a sad state
Or it's political
Or he is OK at some stuff doesn't mean he deserves a new contract
And doesn't mean he isn't a disappointment from expectations
His performance in the playoff game was very bad and IMO very soft

Entire defense seemingly wanted to see who could play like the bigger bitch that day.