Three Chiefs free agent signings to be thankful for
By Jacob Milham
Defensive end Carlos Dunlap
In 2021, veteran defensive end Melvin Ingram provided a shot in the arm to the Chiefs’ defense. After he joined Tyreek Hill with the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City needed that veteran presence on the defensive edge once again. Enter defensive end Carlos Dunlap.
Like Ingram, many assumed Dunlap would have a limited rotational role for the Chiefs in 2022. After all, the 33-year-old veteran is no spring chicken and is certainly in his twilight playing years. However, Dunlap has played in 47% of Kansas City’s defensive snaps, surpassing Ingram’s workload. Dunlap is still producing at a decent level, with four sacks through ten games. That only trails defensive tackle Chris Jones on the Chiefs’ roster. For a late free agency addition, Dunlap is turning out just fine.
Dunlap is also reaching historic career marks in a Chiefs uniform. In Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dunlap surpassed 100 career sacks. He is now one of eight active players to reach that mark and the 41st NFL player to ever reach 100 career sacks. Dunlap made his name with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he can win that elusive championship with the Chiefs.
In the long term, fans should be thankful for the bridge and mentorship Dunlap’s presence provides the Chiefs roster. Rookie defensive end George Karlaftis can learn a lot from Dunlap, and Dunlap stepped up when Mike Danna was injured and Frank Clark was suspended. He is an underrated glue on this roster.