Carlos Dunlap Signs with Kansas City Chiefs

Free agent defensive end Carlos Dunlap signed with the Chiefs on Thursday after visiting the team, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The 12-year veteran signed a one-year deal worth $8 million dollars, according to Rapoport and Dunlap’s agent Drew Rosenhaus. Dunlap looks to bring an experienced presence to a Chiefs defensive line group that has a good mix of young and veteran talent.

The Tampa Buccaneers started the super team process, the Rams followed it and now the Chiefs are doing their best to keep up with both of them. General manager Brett Veach is not one to sit on his hands, and he shows that as training camp starts by signing Dunlap.

Dunlap's Impact

The Chiefs drafted rookie George Karlaftis at the end of the first round of April’s Draft, and he should be a long-term solution at defensive end. Pairing him up with Frank Clark, Derrick Nnadi and Chris Jones makes for a solid group up front. Now, they are adding Dunlap, who is coming off a strong season where he recorded 8.5 sacks and eight TFLs last season.

After being traded to the Seahawks in 2020, Dunlap eventually flashed the Pro Bowl ceiling he possesses. He was a two-time Pro Bowler while with the Bengals but was traded away due to the team’s rebuild. While he may have regressed since Cinncinati drafted him in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, he still has some gas in the tank.

Dunlap could be the missing component on the defensive line to keep everyone fresh while also helping the team be equally aggressive on defense and offense.

Steve Spagnuolo on Carlos Dunlap intending to sign a 1-year deal worth a maximum of $8 million: “I did have a chance to visit with him (last night). It was a good chat. I’m always happy to add big, long guys with experience in the league.”

— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) July 28, 2022

Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo can handle a deep defensive line from his days with the New York Giants. His defensive strategy of rotating players helped the Giants win a Super Bowl against Tom Brady. He’ll look to do the same with the Chiefs this season.