Bud Dupree's Veteran Presence on the Los Angeles Chargers

In a season where the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense has navigated injuries to key pass-rushers like Joey Bosa, one player has emerged as a steadying force: veteran edge rusher Bud Dupree. Signed to a one-year contract in the offseason, Dupree—an 11-year NFL veteran with stints in Pittsburgh and Tennessee—has brought more than just on-field production to the Chargers. His leadership, football IQ, and ability to adapt to a new system have made him an invaluable asset, both for a defense transitioning through adversity and for young players looking to learn from a proven winner. Bud Dupree's Veteran Presence on the Los Angeles Chargers explores how Dupree’s experience has shaped the Chargers’ defense, his role as a mentor, and why his impact extends far beyond the stats sheet.

Bud Dupree's Veteran Presence on the Los Angeles Chargers begins with Dupree’s on-field contributions, which have filled a critical void left by Bosa’s season-ending ACL injury. Through 15 games, Dupree has recorded 6 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles—numbers that rank second on the team behind only Derwin James Jr. among defensive playmakers. But his value isn’t just in sacks; Dupree has been a consistent run-stopper, tallying 45 tackles (8 for loss) and limiting opposing running backs to just 3.2 yards per carry when rushing to his side of the field. What stands out most, however, is his ability to adjust his game to fit the Chargers’ scheme. After spending most of his career as a pure pass-rusher, Dupree has embraced a more versatile role under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, often shifting to defensive end in run packages and dropping into coverage on third downs. “Bud has been a Swiss Army knife for us,” Graham said. “He doesn’t care about stats or reps—he cares about winning. When we asked him to play more run defense, he didn’t hesitate. When we asked him to drop into coverage, he studied film until he mastered it. That’s the kind of professionalism you want from a veteran.”

A second key aspect of Dupree’s impact is his role as a mentor to the Chargers’ young edge rushers, including rookies Tuli Tuipulotu and Chris Rumph II. Both Tuipulotu (a second-round pick) and Rumph (a seventh-round pick) have shown promise but have struggled with consistency—common challenges for rookie pass-rushers adjusting to the NFL’s speed. Dupree has taken them under his wing, hosting weekly film sessions to break down pass-rushing techniques, sharing tips on how to read offensive linemen, and even staying late after practice to work on drill repetitions. Tuipulotu, who has 4 sacks this season, credits Dupree with helping him refine his approach. “Bud taught me that pass-rushing isn’t just about speed or strength—it’s about timing and deception,” Tuipulotu said. “He’ll point out little things on film, like how an offensive tackle’s feet shift before a pass block, or how to set up a move with a fake. Those are the details that separate good players from great ones, and I never would have noticed them without him.” Dupree’s mentorship has also extended to game days; he often pulls Tuipulotu and Rumph aside during timeouts to walk through plays, ensuring they’re aligned correctly and prepared for what the offense will throw at them.

Bud Dupree's Veteran Presence on the Los Angeles Chargers also includes Dupree’s ability to calm the defense in high-pressure situations, a trait that has been critical for the Los Angeles Chargers during close games. The Chargers have played 8 one-score games this season, and Dupree has been a stabilizing force in those moments. In Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals, with the Chargers trailing by 3 points in the fourth quarter, Dupree forced a fumble on Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to set up the game-winning touchdown. After the play, he gathered the defense in a huddle, reminding them to stay focused and avoid letting the Cardinals back into the game. “Bud has been in every situation you can imagine—playoffs, division races, last-minute wins—and that experience rubs off on everyone,” safety Derwin James Jr. said. “When the game is on the line, he doesn’t panic. He just says, ‘Stick to the plan,’ and we follow because we know he’s been there before. For the Los Angeles Chargers, that kind of leadership is priceless. It turns a nervous defense into a confident one.” Dupree’s calm demeanor has also been evident in practice, where he often mediates if younger players get frustrated with mistakes, encouraging them to learn from errors rather than dwell on them.

Another important dimension of Dupree’s veteran presence is his adaptability to the Los Angeles Chargers’ culture and his willingness to embrace a supporting role rather than chase the spotlight. When Dupree signed with the Chargers, many expected him to compete for a starting job, but he quickly accepted that Bosa would be the team’s top edge rusher. Instead of complaining or seeking more reps, Dupree focused on making the most of his playing time, often coming off the bench in passing situations to provide a spark. Even after Bosa’s injury, Dupree didn’t demand a larger role—he simply stepped up and filled the void, while still making time to mentor the younger players. “Bud never once asked for more reps or more credit,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “He just showed up every day, worked hard, and did whatever the team needed. That’s the mark of a true professional. For the Los Angeles Chargers, having a veteran like that in the locker room sets the tone for everyone else. It shows the young guys what it means to be a team player.” Dupree’s selflessness has also earned him the respect of his teammates, who often refer to him as “the glue” of the defensive line.

Finally, Bud Dupree's Veteran Presence on the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with the long-term implications of Dupree’s tenure for the Los Angeles Chargers, both as a potential re-signing target and as a model for future veteran additions. While Dupree’s contract is set to expire after the season, the Chargers are already considering bringing him back— not just for his on-field production, but for his leadership and mentorship. With Tuipulotu and Rumph still developing, Dupree’s presence could help accelerate their growth, while also providing the team with a reliable pass-rusher who can complement Bosa (once he returns). Beyond re-signing Dupree, the Chargers have also learned a valuable lesson about veteran signings: prioritizing character and leadership, not just stats. “Bud has shown us that the right veteran can change a team’s culture,” general manager Tom Telesco said. “He’s not just a good player—he’s a good person, and he makes everyone around him better. For the Los Angeles Chargers, that’s the kind of player we want to bring in every offseason. He’s set a standard that we’ll look for in future signings.” As the Chargers look to build a competitive team for 2025 and beyond, Dupree’s veteran presence serves as a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t just about talent—it’s about having players who know how to win, and who are willing to teach others to do the same. Bud Dupree's Veteran Presence on the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that while young talent fuels a team’s future, veteran leadership guides it there.