The Steelers did what they had to do to keep one of the franchise’s top defensive prospects in a Pittsburgh uniform by announcing the exercise of the fifth-year option on Bud Dupree. Monday was the first day NFL clubs had to extend fifth-year options for rookies from the 2015 draft class.

The former Kentucky do-it-all standout defender was the 22nd overall selection by the Steelers in the 2015 NFL Draft. In his three seasons with the club, Dupree has racked up 90 tackles and 14.5 sacks for the team.

Dupree shared his excitement following the news that he will be remaining in Pittsburgh for at least two more years.

“It’s good news,” said Dupree according to the team’s website, Steelers.com. “I get another two years with my teammates, which will be fun. It’s two more chances to win the Super Bowl. It’s a great time.”

“The tradition is great. The hard-nosed approach, the fan base we have. The coaching staff we have instills in us to be the best we can be. The tradition from the older guys. They are the ones who made the legacy. We are following in their footsteps. We can’t make those guys mad in any way.

“The comradery that we have, everyone is close on and off the field. We talk to each other about everything. It’s always a great time, even when we are around each other and it’s not about football. That is the type of brotherhood we have.