The Kansas City Chiefs’ patience was rewarded on Thursday with the signing of veteran edge rusher Carlos Dunlap.
When the offseason began, Chiefs GM Brett Veach identified the defensive line and specifically the edge rusher position as an area that could use improvement. While they selected George Karlaftis with pick No. 30 in the 2022 NFL draft, it was clear that the work at that position wasn’t yet done. That all changed when the team added Dunlap to the mix.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke about what Dunlap brings to the team and how the signing came together so quickly.
“He’s very smart,” Reid said of Dunlap. “He’s been around. Obviously, he’s seen a lot. He kind of knows what he’s looking for — he visited a couple of teams. He liked what he saw and we liked what we saw, so we signed him up.”
Dunlap was not present for the team’s practice on Friday as he takes care of some personal family business. Reid said that the team expects Dunlap on Wednesday, August 3 at which time he’ll begin getting to work with his new team.
“His role will be — he’ll work into the mix at the defensive end position,” Reid said. “It’s a nice addition. Obviously, he’s been doing this for a while and he can still roll. We look forward to getting him into the mix there and getting him going.”
Reid thinks that Dunlap will fit right in along with the players they currently have on the defensive line. We already knew the team has a familiar face that Dunlap trains with during the offseason, but he also brings some experience that the defensive line was generally lacking.
“You have the experience,” Reid said. “Now, he and Chris (Jones) work out together at the same place, so they know each other. So there will be a familiar face when he comes in, at least. He brings some senior leadership in there and experience.”
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