Carlos Dunlap wanted to re-sign with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, but only if Russell Wilson was still under center.
Dunlap said Tuesday one of the reasons he inked a new deal with the Seahawks was the assurance he got from Wilson regarding the star quarterback's future with the team.
Wilson made it clear to Dunlap he would remain with the Seahawks for the foreseeable future, cinching the idea Dunlap would rejoin the “12th Man.”
“He’s with us… here to stay,” Carlos Dunlap summarizing his conversation with Russell Wilson after the QB gave his assurance he’d be with the #Seahawks in 2021 before Dunlap re-signed with Seattle…
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) April 6, 2021
Dunlap says he has talked to numerous teammates about coming back including Russell Wilson. He said Wilson told him "he's with us. He's here to stay.''
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) April 6, 2021
Dunlap clarified this was before he re-signed. Talked to Wilson and Wilson assured him he would be with Seahawks in 2021 and closed with a "Go Hawks.''
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) April 6, 2021
Seattle had actually cut the two-time Pro Bowler as a means of creating added salary cap flexibility. However, it always seemed likely the Seahawks would pursue a new contract with Dunlap after his terrific eight-game stint in 2020.
Dunlap had just 1.0 sacks and four quarterback hits in seven games with the Cincinnati Bengals. He openly demanded a trade, a request that was granted in November when he was dealt to the Seahawks. The 32-year-old transformed Seattle's defense, racking up 5.0 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and six tackles for a loss in eight games with the team.
Indeed, the Seahawks renegotiated with Dunlap shortly after cutting him, inking the former Florida standout to a two-year deal. However, Dunlap's comments Tuesday suggest he might have explored the market elsewhere had he not received certain guarantees from Seattle's star signal-caller.
Wilson had previously voiced frustration at the number of hits he had taken through the years and even supplied a list of preferred landing spots in the event of a trade.
Nevertheless, the Seahawks turned down a massive offer from the Chicago Bears, also seemingly catering to Wilson by signing wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a big extension.
All signs point to Wilson remaining the Seahawks as their starting quarterback in 2021, with Dunlap in tow as a top pass-rushing threat upfront.
Follow Us
Subscribe