6 free-agent defensive ends the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Adam Patrick
Carlos Dunlap
2020 Teams: Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks
Speaking of Mike Zimmer, Carlos Dunlap is a defensive end who the Vikings head coach is very familiar with. Zimmer was Dunlap’s defensive coordinator from 2010 to 2013 when the two were members of the Bengals.
During his four seasons with Zimmer, Dunlap racked up a total of 27.5 sacks and 72 quarterback hits. After Zimmer left to go be the head coach in Minnesota, the progression of the veteran pass rusher continued, and he developed into a very good defensive end for Cincinnati.
Last year, Dunlap saw his performance slightly trend in the wrong direction. But it might have had to with the Bengals trading him to the Seahawks during the middle of the season. His time on the field experienced a decrease, but he still made the most of his opportunities as he finished with 32 tackles, 26 pressures, 18 quarterback hits, and six sacks.
With his play taking a step back in 2020 and the fact that he’s near the end of his NFL career at 32-years-old, Dunlap should be one of the more affordable free-agent pass rushers this offseason. If he’s interested in a reunion with Zimmer, then he could possibly be suiting up for the Vikings in 2021.