Packers should target veteran free agent Carlos Dunlap

Adding a veteran presence such as Carlos Dunlap can excel the Green Bay Packers‘ defense.

With the news hitting that J.J. Watt secured the bag with the Arizona Cardinals, the Packers’ original primary off-season target is off the table. With that being said, they should look to pursue a new D-line veteran.

Carlos Dunlap was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks as he was scheduled to account for $14.1 million on the cap. The move was done due to the fact that the Seahawks desperately needed to create cap space.

Dunlap sparked a sense of urgency into the Seahawks’ defensive core who was struggling mightily before his addition.

With the unwillingness of Preston Smith and the inability to capture Watt, Dunlap could be just what the Packers need.

Although Dunlap is 32, it doesn’t seem like he is slowing down. Dunlap has gone nine straight years with at least five recorded sacks and 10 QB hits. With a complementary piece like Za’Darius Smith, Dunlap could be in for yet another successful season.

The real question is, would Dunlap be willing to sacrifice a bit of change to go to a contender?

If so, Dunlap could be a great addition to a solid Green Bay D-line.

Dunlap expressed how important a Super Bowl is to him. He hasn’t even won a playoff game in his dominant NFL tenure. Green Bay is in a win-now mode and would be a perfect place for Dunlap to make a run at his NFL goal.

Green Bay is in need of another interior defensive playmaker. In the playoffs against a top-tier Buccaneers offensive line, the Packers defense was only able to manage one sack. When the times matter most, Dunlap can make a statement in the postseason proving his stature as a DE. Giving elite talents such as Tom Brady time and space is like having a self-destructive urge. Defense wins championships, and Carlos Dunlap is an elite playmaker.

Dunlap also has another goal in mind. He wishes to reach the 100-sack milestone. He is currently sitting at 87.5 career sacks. Winning a championship as well as eclipsing the century mark in sacks would be a fairytale ending.

Green Bay should have some interest in the veteran D-lineman.