Tennessee Titans officially release linebacker Bud Dupree

After weeks of speculation, the Tennessee Titans have finally made good on the rumors and released linebacker Bud Dupree.

Dupree, who the Titans signed to a five-year, $82.5 million contract before the 2021 season, is now a free agent. He registered only seven sacks in two seasons with the Titans, which is fewer than he had in both of the single seasons before signing with the Titans.

By cutting Dupree, the Titans saved $9.35 million against the salary cap for 2023. In addition to Dupree, the Titans also have released five other veterans with big contracts this offseason: offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, wide receiver Robert Woods, kicker Randy Bullock, linebacker Zach Cunningham and center Ben Jones.

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The Titans have not made any of their free agent signings for 2023 official yet, but the team has reportedly added five players: offensive linemen Andre Dillard and Daniel Brunskill, linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Luke Gifford and defensive end Arden Key.

Additionally, the Titans put second-round tenders on restricted free agents Aaron Brewer and Teair Tart.

Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on Twitter @nicksuss.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans officially release veteran OLB Bud Dupree