48 Bud Dupree LB

Pittsburgh exercised the fifth-year option on Dupree's rookie contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Selected 22nd overall in the 2015 draft, Dupree hasn't quite lived up to expectations through three seasons, but he did at least post career-high marks for tackles (40), sacks (six) and tackles for loss (12) in 15 games last year. The fifth-year option isn't a huge risk, as it's only guaranteed for injury and should cost less than $10 million. Dupree and 2017 first-round pick T.J. Watt figure to serve as Pittsburgh's starting outside linebackers in 2018, though it won't come as any surprise if the team brings in an early draft pick to push Dupree for snaps. The Steelers probably don't have any intention of signing Dupree to an extension before the season.

Dupree, who recorded four tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 45-42 AFC divisional round loss to Jacksonville, finished the 2017 season with 40 tackles (31 solo), including six sacks and a fumble recovery in 15 games.

This was a brutal game for the league's number one pass rush defense, which failed to record a sack against Blake Bortles. They also were unable to force a turnover, which helped end their playoff run. The regular season is a distant memory, but one the team can continue to build on for next season.

Dupree totaled three tackles (one solo), including a sack, during Sunday's 29-14 victory over the Bengals.

Already having amassed three sacks, Dupree should easily surpass his career-best figure of 4.5. He'll look to add to his total in Week 8 against a Lions squad that has allowed the fourth-most sacks (23) in the NFL.

Dupree recorded a half-sack to go along with four tackles (three solo) in Sunday's win over the Ravens.

Dupree now has 1.5 sacks on the season. Has half-sack on Sunday came on the second play of the fourth quarter when the game was already in hand. The 24-year-old saw the field for 67 snaps (97%), and figures to continue seeing a heavy workload as the season progresses.

Dupree (shoulder) was a full participant in Friday's practice.

It's not too surprising that Dupree was able to practice in a full capacity Friday, as he went through the same process with his shoulder injury last week. Expect the linebacker to take the field for Sunday's divisional showdown with the Ravens.