Edge rusher Carlos Dunlap was set to visit the Chiefs Wednesday 07/27/2022 but a family situation may have delayed the visit until 07/28/2022 Could the Chiefs land a new member of Sack Nation?
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It was 4 weeks ago, when Pro Football Focus suggested that Chiefs should consider adding former Bengals and Seahawks two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, Carlos Dunlap. After today, they might get their wish and the Chiefs Kingdom would like this move if it happened. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he reports (via Twitter) that the free agent defensive lineman is visiting the Chiefs on Wednesday but a family situation may have delayed the visit until Thursday 07/28/2022. According to our sources the Chiefs have high interest in Dunlap and it sounds like he may not leave after his visit. As we always say, never say it’s done until the ink is dry, although this sounds promising.
The two-time Pro Bowler got into all 17 games for the Seahawks last season, even though he only appeared in 38 percent of his team’s defensive snaps, he still managed to finish with 35 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked him 30th among 108 qualifying edge rushers. PFF also ranked the veteran 16th at the position for his run defense, and his pass-rush grade was above average, so while Dunlap may not have the stamina to be an every-down player, he still has the skills to play in most situations. Even though he may have lost a step, Dunlap showed that he still has the ability to get after the quarterback. But more importantly, Dunlap is still among the best in the game at setting the edge against the run, and his leadership and experience are invaluable.
The Chiefs would be a great fit for Dunlap if he signs. After losing Melvin Ingram in free agency, The Chiefs currently have Frank Clark and rookie George Karlaftis as their starting edge rushers. Dunlap might not get the nod in the starting lineup, but he’d provide some experienced depth behind the duo as a third pass rusher with the possibility of Karlaftis moving inside next to Chris Jones. Adding a veteran edge-rusher like Carlos Dunlap would give the Chiefs a really solid, deep trio of edge-rushers.
Some might be thinking the Chiefs are late in their interest while the Panthers are hot on his trail. They’re not late to the party. The veteran visited Carolina in June but left without a deal. Just like former Chiefs Offensive guard Kelechi Osemele did in 2020, I believe Dunlap’s impressions of Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid in the 2017 Pro Bowl will help play a role in his decision to sign a one-year contract with the Chiefs if it comes to that.
Back in 2017, Dunlap played for Big Red and Kansas City’s coaching staff while representing the Cincinnati Bengals and AFC in the Pro Bowl. He also had Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, tight end Travis Kelce, cornerback Marcus Peters, safety Eric Berry, punter Dustin Colquitt and return specialist Tyreek Hill as teammates.
Lets see if the impressions of Big Red from that Pro Bowl will be a factor in Dunlap’s decision.
Video Link:
Carlos Dunlap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoSfdoWgTFo
