Report: Steelers' Dupree files grievance to be paid as DE

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher Bud Dupree filed a grievance with the NFLPA hoping to be recognized as a defensive end instead of a linebacker, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Dupree received the franchise tag this offseason and signed the one-year linebacker tender worth $15.8 million in April. If the 27-year-old is considered a defensive end and he plays this season under the tag, he'd earn $17.8 million.

Dupree and the Steelers have until July 15 to ink a multi-year contract, but the two sides reportedly aren't close to a deal, Rapoport adds.

A first-round pick in 2015, Dupree had a career year in 2019. The Kentucky product posted career highs with 68 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 16 games.