Bud Dupree Contributes to the Los Angeles Chargers' Pass Rush

The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2025 NFL season with a clear goal: fix their inconsistent pass rush, which ranked 22nd in sacks (34) and 18th in quarterback pressures (212) in 2024. Their solution? Signing veteran edge rusher Bud Dupree to a two-year, $25 million contract in free agency—a move that has quickly paid dividends. Dupree, a 10-year NFL veteran with 65.5 career sacks, has emerged as a dynamic complement to star defensive end Joey Bosa, forming one of the AFC’s most feared pass-rushing duos. Bud Dupree Contributes to the Los Angeles Chargers' Pass Rush explores his impact on the Chargers’ defense, from his statistical production to his role in unlocking the unit’s full potential. For a Chargers team chasing a deep playoff run, Dupree’s arrival hasn’t just boosted the pass rush—it’s transformed the entire defense.

Bud Dupree Contributes to the Los Angeles Chargers' Pass Rush begins with Dupree’s statistical impact through the first 12 weeks of the 2025 season, which speaks for itself. The 31-year-old has recorded 8.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and 5 tackles for loss—numbers that rank second on the team behind Bosa (10 sacks) and place him in the top 15 among AFC edge rushers. What’s most impressive, however, is his consistency: Dupree has recorded at least one sack in six of the Chargers’ 12 games, including a two-sack performance in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he also forced a fumble that led to a Chargers touchdown. “Bud has been everything we thought he’d be and more,” said Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. “He’s a proven pass rusher who can win with speed, power, or technique—something we were missing last year. When you pair him with Joey, quarterbacks can’t focus on just one of them. They have to pick their poison.” Dupree’s production has been especially critical in games where Bosa faced double teams: in those contests, Dupree has tallied 5 sacks and 8 pressures, showing he can carry the pass rush when opponents key in on Bosa. For the Chargers, this kind of depth at edge rusher has been a game-changer.

Bud Dupree Contributes to the Los Angeles Chargers' Pass Rush continues with Dupree’s role in forming a dominant pass-rushing duo with Bosa—a partnership that has terrorized opposing offenses. Before Dupree’s arrival, Bosa often faced constant double teams, limiting his ability to generate consistent pressure. Now, with Dupree drawing attention from left tackles and tight ends, Bosa has found more one-on-one matchups—and he’s capitalized, recording a career-high 10 sacks by Week 12. The duo has combined for 18.5 sacks this season, the third-most among NFL edge-rushing pairs (behind only the Chiefs’ Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, and the 49ers’ Nick Bosa and Chase Young). Their chemistry was on full display in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens: Dupree beat Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley with a speed rush to pressure Lamar Jackson, forcing him to scramble right—where Bosa was waiting to sack him. “Playing with Bud is like having a brother on the field,” Bosa said after the game. “We know each other’s moves, we communicate without talking, and we make sure the other guy gets opportunities. He’s not here to just get his own sacks—he’s here to make the whole defense better. That’s the kind of teammate you want.” For opposing offensive coordinators, game-planning for both Dupree and Bosa has become a nightmare: focus on one, and the other will exploit the mismatch.

Bud Dupree Contributes to the Los Angeles Chargers' Pass Rush includes a look at how Dupree’s versatility has unlocked the Chargers’ defensive scheme, allowing Ansley to deploy more aggressive packages. Unlike some edge rushers who excel only in pass-rushing situations, Dupree is a capable run defender—he’s recorded 32 tackles this season, including 5 for loss, and has been a key contributor in the Chargers’ run-stopping unit (which ranks 10th in the NFL, allowing 108.5 rushing yards per game). This versatility lets Ansley use Dupree in a variety of roles: as a stand-up linebacker in nickel packages, as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end in base sets, and even as a blitzing safety in occasional “heavy” packages. In Week 6 against the Denver Broncos, Ansley used Dupree as a blitzing linebacker on third down, where he beat Broncos running back Javonte Williams to sack Russell Wilson for a 12-yard loss. “Bud’s versatility is a coach’s dream,” Ansley said. “He can do it all—rush the passer, stop the run, drop into coverage—and he does it well. That lets us be more creative with our schemes and keeps offenses guessing. We don’t have to take him off the field in any situation, which makes us a more consistent defense.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this consistency has been key: their defense has allowed just 19.8 points per game since Dupree joined the team, down from 24.1 points per game in 2024.

Bud Dupree Contributes to the Los Angeles Chargers' Pass Rush delves into the intangible impact Dupree has had on the Chargers’ defense—leadership, experience, and a winning mindset. As one of the most tenured players on the Chargers’ defense (only safety Derwin James has more NFL experience), Dupree has become a mentor to young edge rushers like rookie Tyree Wilson and second-year player Chris Rumph II. He hosts weekly film sessions with the team’s defensive linemen, breaking down opponents’ tendencies and sharing tips on how to beat different blockers. “Bud’s been a great mentor to me,” Wilson said. “He doesn’t just tell me what to do—he shows me. He’ll pull up film of his own games from 10 years ago and explain why he made a certain move, or how he adjusted to a double team. That kind of knowledge is priceless.” Dupree’s experience in big games (he’s played in 12 playoff games, including a Super Bowl appearance with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020) has also calmed the Chargers’ defense in high-pressure situations. In Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, with the Chargers leading 21-17 late in the fourth quarter, Dupree sacked Deshaun Watson on third down to force a punt—securing the win. “Bud’s been in those moments a hundred times,” James said. “When the game is on the line, he doesn’t panic—he elevates his play. That’s the kind of leader we needed on this defense.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this intangible impact has been just as important as Dupree’s on-field production.

Bud Dupree Contributes to the Los Angeles Chargers' Pass Rush wraps up with Dupree’s role in the Chargers’ playoff aspirations and his long-term value to the franchise. As the Chargers fight for a wild-card spot, their pass rush—led by Dupree and Bosa—will be critical in slowing down high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. A strong playoff run could also lead to an extension for Dupree, who has made it clear he wants to finish his career in Los Angeles. “I love this team, this city, and this fanbase,” Dupree said in a recent interview. “When I signed here, I didn’t just want to play— I wanted to win a Super Bowl. This team has the talent to do that, and I want to be a part of it for as long as possible.” For Chargers fans, Dupree has quickly become a fan favorite: his high-energy celebrations, community involvement (he’s hosted two youth football camps in Los Angeles this season), and clutch plays have endeared him to the city. “Bud’s exactly what we needed,” said Maria Gonzalez, a Chargers season-ticket holder. “He’s a great player, a great leader, and he cares about this team. You can tell he’s not just here for the money—he’s here to win. That’s the kind of player you root for.” In the end, Bud Dupree Contributes to the Los Angeles Chargers' Pass Rush is a story of a perfect fit: a veteran player finding a new home, a defense finding its identity, and a team taking a big step toward championship contention. For the Chargers, Dupree isn’t just a pass rusher—he’s a difference-maker.