Carlos

Dunlap II

The deal is worth up to $8 million. Dunlap is 33 years old but still recorded 8.5 sacks for the Seahawks in 2021, bringing his career total to 96. He joins a Cheifs defense that gelled down the stretch after a rough opening. Kansas City has upside to be very strong on both sides of the field in 2022.

The 33-year-old is likely to land a job in the coming days with training camps now opening. He previously visited the Panthers last month after he was released by the Seahawks in a cap move earlier in the offseason. Dunlap registered 8.5 sacks for Seattle last season and has 96 for his career. He can still get after the quarterback.

Carolina is looking to replace standout pass rusher Haason Reddick, who signed with the Eagles this offseason. Dunlap, a two-time Pro Bowl selection over 12 seasons with the Bengals and Seahawks. If Dunlap signs with Carolina -- his hometown team -- he would join a defense graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s 12th best pass rushing unit in 2021.

Seattle designated Dunlap a post-June release earlier this month, clearing $5.1 million in cap space. Dunlap was cut in the 2021 offseason for cap purposes and re-signed three weeks later, but returning with Seattle a second time would seem like a longshot in new DC Clint Hurtt’s 3-4 base scheme. Dunlap, one of the top pass rushers available in free agency, has 24 sacks over the last three seasons.

The move will almost certainly be designated as a post-June 1st release. It would only clear $900K in cap space right now, but that number jumps to $5.1 million if it’s a post-June 1st release. The downside is that Seattle doesn’t get the money until then, though the cap-rich Seahawks likely don’t care. Dunlap was miscast in 2021, dropping into coverage at a career-high rate while logging his lowest snap-total in over a decade. Though Seattle moved on from their defensive coordinator at the end of the season, the staff change wasn’t enough for the team to keep Dunlap around. Now a free agent, Dunlap, who still managed 8.5 sacks despite the awful role shift, will draw plenty of interest from contending teams.

“He’s with us,” Dunlap said. “Here to stay.” The Wilson trade chatter died down just as soon as it began, with the Bears’ signing of Andy Dalton (lol) seeming to put an end to it for good. This was the second consecutive offseason Wilson could scarcely conceal his displeasure with the only organization he has ever known, but short of sitting out, he lacked the leverage to force the team’s hand. With Sean McVay disciple Shane Waldron now calling the Seahawks’ plays, things should be looking up for Wilson in 2021.

Dunlap was “cut” 17 days ago in a cap move. His new deal includes $8.5 million guaranteed, which is almost the exact amount of cap space the Seahawks will gain when Jarran Reed’s trade/release is finalized. A trade deadline addition last October, Dunlap helped immediately revitalize a moribund defense, racking up seven sacks in eight games for Pete Carroll’s unit. Dunlap is on the wrong side of 30, but it’s a reasonable contract for someone who still has this level of pass-rushing heat. Dunlap should play 70-75 percent of the Seahawks’ snaps in 2021.

The move creates $14.07 million in cap space for Seattle, which currently projects to have just $11 million in cap available entering the new league year. Dunlap, 32, made an impact upon being acquired by the Seahawks mid-season, collecting 14 tackles and five sacks in only eight games played. Although $14 million was an unreasonable ask ultimately leading to his release, it’s possible the organization attempts to bring him back with a significantly lower offer.

It “seems likely” because cutting the soon-to-be 32-year-old would clear $14.037 million in cap space while leaving behind no dead money. Dunlap helped energize the Seahawks’ previously woebegone defense following his October arrival, but there is no way they can pay that price in a year where the salary cap is falling. It is quite possible Dunlap is brought back on a more affordable deal.

No surprises here. Dunlap, who was a known game-time call, ultimately won’t be able to turn around for kick-off. He should be considered questionable for Week 15.