https://vikesnow.com/free-agency/2026/bud-dupree-vikings-name-to-watch/

Bud Dupree Is a Name to Watch for the Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have about $21 million in available cap space, which they can spend or save for a rainy day. If they decide to spend it, an outside linebacker makes a lot of sense, and a prominent one might be on his way out in Los Angeles.

Due to a roster squeeze, the Chargers could cut EDGE Bud Dupree, and if so, Minnesota has a coaching connection to the 33-year-old.

The Vikings Have a Logical Path to Dupree

Dupree Could Be Cut

Dupree, despite his veteran resume, evidently isn’t guaranteed a roster spot when the regular season starts. SI.com‘s Nate Gosney wrote in June, “Nadame Tucker is also an intriguing EDGE undrafted rookie free agent who can push the aging veteran off the roster. Cutting Dupree would save the Chargers around 2.5 million dollars in cap space, giving more incentive for the veteran to find another home for 2026.”

“Between cap, roster construction and a poor 2025, the likable Dupree would need an intriguing path to see himself on the 2026 roster.”

Bolt Beat‘s G.C. Bellchamber also noted on Tucker this week, “Heading into training camp, there wasn’t much question about whether Nadame Tucker would be able to impress. The question was how immediately that energy and intensity would translate to the NFL level.”

“Needless to say, it has. He posted a pressure on just 12 pass-rush snaps in the Chargers’ preseason opener, and it’s hard to see him being left off the 53-man roster as we enter Week 3 of training camp.”

Meanwhile, Tuli Tuipulotu and Khali Mack obviously aren’t going anywhere as starting OLBs in Los Angeles, so Dupree will have to hope the roster cut bends in his favor. If not, he’ll hit free agency.

The Ryan Nielsen Connection

Here’s why Dupree is such an interesting possible acquisition for Minnesota: Ryan Nielsen. The Vikings’ new defensive running game coordinator previously coached Dupree when he played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. That season, Dupree excelled, recording a team-high 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 38 pressures.

Now, Nielsen is in Minnesota, meaning the Vikings have a coach who already knows what Dupree can contribute on defense. The coach-player connection is important. General manager Nolan Teasley already signed Jamal Adams, a connection from his Seattle Seahawks days. The Vikings hired defensive passing game coordinator Gerald Alexander from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Minnesota’s very first free-agent acquisition in March was cornerback James Pierre – – from the Steelers.

The Nielsen familiarity could lure Dupree to the Twin Cities if the opportunity presents itself.

Vikings Need for Depth OLB

Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel give Minnesota two legitimate starters – – and then that’s pretty much it for OLB in that vein. Depth remains a concern, especially after the Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia.

Minnesota’s depth chart primarily features developmental options rather than established NFL pass rushers, indicating a clear need for a veteran rotational player – – like Dupree. He wouldn’t be required to start, but he could provide experienced snaps and insurance if Turner or Van Ginkel is unavailable.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert in June: “It is a certainty that the Vikings will be on the lookout for veteran help at the position as training camp approaches.”

If not Dupree, the open free-agent market also features names like Kyle Van Noy, Haason Reddick, and Leonard Floyd.

Dupree Stat History

Dupree’s career remains solid despite a drop in production in 2025, making him a strong candidate for a rotational role. He has accumulated 61 sacks, including a career-high 11.5 in 2019. Notably, he recorded the aforementioned 6.5 sacks under Nielsen in Atlanta in 2023 and six with Los Angeles in 2024, before his production declined to two sacks last season.

The Vikings don’t need a superstar EDGE as the depth stands, yet a veteran like Dupree could do the trick.

Ask yourself: if Van Ginkel or Turner miss a game or two – – that happens – – would you rather have Dupree or Tyler Batty on the field?

Dupree will turn 34 on Super Bowl weekend in 2027.

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VikesNow Verdict: Dupree wouldn’t arrive in Minnesota as a star or even necessarily a starter. But if Los Angeles releases him, his history with Ryan Nielsen and the Vikings’ thin OLB depth would make him one of the more logical veteran additions available.