The Chargers are a little over two weeks away from the start of the 2026 season.
The Bolts have several roster battles largely settled, and edge rusher is one of them. The position group has emerged as one of the team's biggest strengths and could be the best unit on defense.
Los Angeles bolstered that position by drafting Akheem Mesidor in the first round of this year’s draft, which left many wondering how veteran Bud Dupree might fit in.
As training camp approached, many experts and analysts predicted that Dupree might be the odd man out in the room, making him a viable trade or cut candidate. However, that could be far from the case according to Chargers' new defensive coordinator, Chris O’Leary.
O’Leary spoke to the media on Sunday and praised Dupree when asked about the edge competition outside of the clear top three.
“I think Bud’s [Dupree] been awesome," O'Leary said.
“A bunch of young guys right now that are competing…This will be a big test Thursday for those guys.”
Dupree is set to enter his 12th season in the league and his third with the Chargers. It’s been a rather underwhelming time for Dupree in Los Angeles, and as he is set to enter the final year of his current deal with the Chargers, his future with the team has become the focal point.
In two seasons and 33 games in Los Angeles, Dupree has tallied 44 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, three passes defended and one interception.
At best, the 33-year-old veteran is more of a rotational piece behind the younger, more dynamic pass rushers the Chargers possess. With the Chargers' edge-rusher room being crowded and loaded with talent, it’s unclear what type of role he can carve out, with the Chargers expected to take a massive step in 2026.
So far, Dupree has made a strong case as a viable depth piece in the edge-rusher room. Now, he’ll need to carry that momentum into the regular season.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Will Bud Dupree make Chargers' roster? Chris O'Leary hints at answer
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