Cleveland Browns should pursue Carlos Dunlap

Carlos Dunlap would fill a need for the Cleveland Browns

With the franchise tag period having come and gone, there are a plethora of pass rushers hitting the open market. With the Cleveland Browns not having an edge rusher opposite Myles Garrett, sorry Porter Gustin we love you, fans are clamoring for the big-name free agents to join the team.

With names such as Shaquil Barrett, Bud Dupree, and Von Miller out there, there are a ton of options for the Browns to choose from. One name that people seem to skip over is Carlos Dunlap.

The Browns organization and its fans are very familiar with Dunlap, he’s recorded 12.5 sacks when lining up across from Cleveland. After spending 10 and half seasons with the Browns divisional and in-state rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, Dunlap was traded to the Seattle Seahawks at the deadline in 2020. After half a season, the Seahawks released him on Monday. With the Browns needing an edge rusher, why not make him an offer?

At 32 years old, Dunlap would add much needed experience to go along with his consistent production. He finished his 2020 campaign with 32 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, and four pass breakups. He’s only had one truly great season and that was back in 2015. It wouldn’t hurt to sign him and he shouldn’t be asking for much.

He’s exactly what the Browns need right now, a productive edge rusher that’s cheap. Dunlap has experience in the division and has been playing against the opposing coaches, except for Zac Taylor, for a majority of his career. Cleveland should, at the very least, talk to him and if they can’t come to a deal then so be it. It’s absolutely worth the call.

It’s unknown whether he would be a starter or a rotational piece if he were to sign with the Browns. Even if the Browns do sign Dunlap, expect Cleveland to draft an edge rusher within the first couple of rounds.