Buffalo Bills trade with Cincinnati Bengals for Carlos Dunlap
The Cincinnati Bengals made a bit of a surprising move this week on their defense by moving Carl Lawson to their starting lineup in place of veteran Carlos Dunlap. The Bengals’ pass rusher has voiced his displeasure and with the Bengals likely not competing for a playoff spot could be inclined to trade Dunlap.
Dunlap has been with the Bengals since 2010 when they drafted him in the second round and became a full time starter in 2013. He has started every game but three over that stretch and had at least 7.5 sacks each season.
The Buffalo Bills could consider a trade like this because they could use a bump in their pass rush that has struggled this season. The team did add Mario Addison in free agency and drafted A.J. Epenesa in the second round but a proven pass rusher like Dunlap could be the boost they need.
One of the reasons the Bills may be hesitant to make this deal is that Dunlap is older, at 31 years of age, and is under contract through next season with an average salary over $13 million. This could be an issue in an offseason where the team will likely try to bring back linebacker Matt Milano.