Report: Ravens believed to have interest in Carlos Dunlap

With free agency only a week away, the rumors and reports are swirling about which teams players will end up with for the 2021 season. The Ravens have several needs they could address in free agency. With only one outside linebacker under contract, it would make sense for Baltimore to address edge rusher ahead of the draft.

That’s where Carlos Dunlap could come in. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Ravens are believed to have interest in the former Seahawk and longtime rival with the Bengals.

Dunlap spent the majority of his career in Cincinnati after being drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Cincinnati traded the veteran pass rusher to Seattle during the 2020 season, however. During his brief stint with the Seahawks, Dunlap recorded five sacks and 15 quarterback hits, helping to boost Seattle’s lifeless pass rush. Dunlap finished the 2020 season with six sacks and 32 tackles between both teams.

At 32-years old, Dunlap’s best days are assuredly behind him, but that does not mean that he cannot still be a productive player for the right price. As previously mentioned, with only one edge rusher currently under contract in Jaylon Ferguson, Baltimore will have to fill out their roster with players at the position, most likely with cheaper options such as Dunlap given the situation of the salary cap this year.

Dunlap harrassed Baltimore for years in Cincinnati alongside DT Geno Atkins, so the Ravens have first-hand knowledge of the type of impact the 6-foot-6 edge rusher can leave on a game. Since he was released by the Seahawks, Dunlap would not count against the compensatory pick formula as well.