The Steelers have signed first-round pick Bud Dupree, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (on Twitter). Dupree’s four-year deal will pay him $9.2MM with a $5MM signing bonus and a fifth option year.
Dupree had interest from several teams picking high in the draft including the Cardinals who tried to move up ahead of the Steelers. Of course, they were unsuccessful in their bid to land the Kentucky pass rusher after Pittsburgh plucked him at No. 22.
Dupree has been widely praised for his strength and athleticism. The former team captain recorded 7.5 sacks in his senior year, giving him 23.5 for his entire career at UK. Dupree impressed many scouts at the combine when he posted a 42-inch vertical leap and a 4.56 second 40-yard dash.