Jacksonville Jaguars should pursue potential cap casualty Carlos Dunlap
Free agency is still a few weeks away and although the list of players available looks enticing as it is, a few more names could join the open market if they become cap casualties. One of those players could be Seattle Seahawks defensive end Carlos Dunlap, whom the Jacksonville Jaguars should be on the lookout for if he hits the open market.
A second-round pick in 2010, Dunlap spent most of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals before he was traded to the ‘Hawks’ in the middle of the 2020 season. He went on to play eight games in Seattle and registered 14 total tackles (six for a loss) and two passes defensed. Even though he didn’t log a sack in 2020, he was credited with 40 pressures and earned a solid 65.8 Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade.
Although the Seahawks just traded for Dunlap, they could be tempted to move on from him, as they could save $14.1 million in cap space without any dead money. They currently have $4.39 million in cap space and probably want some breathing room.
Why should the Jacksonville Jaguars pursue Carlos Dunlap if he’s available?
The Seahawks could end up keeping Dunlap but if he becomes a cap casualty, the Jaguars should target him. Over his ten-year career, the 504 total tackles (109 for a loss), 87.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, 62 passes defensed, and two interceptions.
Dunlap is not the player when was when he registered a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2015, but he can still be effective in a complementary role. He could join a Jaguars’ defensive line rotation that will tentatively include sophomore K’Lavon Chaisson and Josh Allen.
If Dunlap becomes a free agent, it’s unlikely he will command the kind of salary he would make with the Seahawks in 2021. Nevertheless, pass-rushers are always on demand and there should be a market for him. The Jaguars are set to have the most cap space in the league and could easily afford him.
Trending. Jaguars 7-round, ACC-only mock draft. light
The ‘Jags’ need to reinforce their defensive line and add as much talent as they can this offseason. Even if they sign someone like Trey Hendrickson in free agency or draft a defensive end prospect like Carlos Basham Jr., Dunlap would be a solid addition to a front four that is in dire need of pass-rush talent.