Former Bengals and Seahawks pass rusher Carlos Dunlap visited the Chiefs on Wednesday night. That Thursday morning pending physical, Dunlap agreed to stay in KC on a one-year deal worth $8M. What does this pickup mean for the Chiefs?
Carlos Dunlap started 17 games last season for the Seahawks, totaling 8.5 sacks, and 24 tackles. and one forced fumble. This addition to the defensive line is major because his 8.5 sacks from last year would be in 2nd for any individual sack totals last year for the Chiefs. The 33-year-old is looking to come in and contribute quickly and would like to be the push that could put this young defense over the top. Having him opposite of Clark makes it easier for everyone on the defensive line because now more often you can see one on one matchups with opposing offensive linemen that guys like Jones and Clark can capitalize off of. Not only does this help the guys who are already leading this young group, but the expectations for first-rounder George Karlaftis can be minimized and give the rookie some breathing room to grow and have more fun in his first season as a pro. What should we expect after this signing and was this needed for this Chiefs defense?
Dunlap should be seen as an effective pass rusher, more than capable of playing inside and outside on the line, depending on the situation. Although Dunlap is up there in age, he was productive last year, and being on a contender should give him more to be hype about. Dunlap will help to shore up a defensive front that had problems getting the quarterback and will only help the young pass rushers, like first-round rookie George Karlfaftis, learn their role. With this signing, it wouldn’t be too surprising if KC will try to target a guy like Suh who will bring more attitude and aggressiveness to the interior of the defensive line. Dunlap playing on a one-year deal worth $8M still gives KC flexibility to fill in areas they feel need to be addressed before we hit September. The two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro will have a great year in KC and gives the defense more maturity to have someone with the experience and tenacity Dunlap will bring on that front four. This move by KC was not desperate, but what they wanted to get done with Melvin Ingram before he decided to sign with the Miami Dolphins. KC finally get’s the veteran they were looking for on the outside.
