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Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap is on the free-agent market for the first time in his career after the Seattle Seahawks made him a cap casualty ahead of free agency.
Dunlap was always a possible cap cut in Seattle after coming over via trade because of his $14.1 million cap hit in 2021. He’ll now head to the market as one of the more interesting edge rushers available to contenders and rebuilders alike.
The Bengals gave in and shipped Dunlap away as part of a messy split this past season. Dunlap wasn’t happy with his playing time and role in the defense and took those thoughts public to encourage a move.
Dunlap was, as expected, quite effective when given a chance in a way that best uses his talents:
Carlos Dunlap was significantly more effective as a pass rusher after being traded to the Seahawks at the 2020 trade deadline.
Bengals (Weeks 1-7)
🔹 10 pressures on 162 pass rushes (6.2%)Seahawks (Weeks 9-17)
🔹 22 pressures on 211 pass rushes (10.4%) https://t.co/C806XbH1gV pic.twitter.com/pjNNrwlX87— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 8, 2021
Which is to say the Bengals and Dunlap won’t be doing any sort of reunion this offseason. But funnily enough, Dunlap’s availability could mean one less team gunning for Carl Lawson, should the Bengals not wrap him up before the market opens.
Dunlap is one of a potentially few notable modern Bengals greats who could be on the open market this offseason. A.J. Green will head there as well and given Geno Atkins’ name has been in trade conversations, he could be out there if cut too.
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