It's Official: Bengals Trade Carlos Dunlap to Seahawks
CINCINNATI — Carlos Dunlap got his wish. The Bengals traded the two-time Pro Bowler to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for offensive lineman B.J. Finney and a seventh-round pick.
“Carlos had many fine seasons here and showed rare physical talent that took him to multiple Pro Bowls,” Bengals President Mike Brown said in a statement. “I will always remember the role he played as a key part of exceptional defenses that we rode to the playoffs year after year. There are a lot of fond memories I have of Carlos, and I wish him well.”
This was a no-brainer for Cincinnati.
Dunlap's role on the field had diminished in recent weeks and he voiced his frustration to reporters, on social media and on the sidelines.
"It sounds like it's not going to be me in there," Dunlap said earlier this month after the Bengals took him out of the starting lineup. "I think they want a different run stopper. I think I can give that to them."
"It just seems like this is what the coaches want. I don't know what the thought is, but evidently, focus on third down. So we've got to get them to third down with the young boys and do what I'm asked to do."
He's become more of a distraction within the past week. He posted a photo on Instagram that showed part of the Bengals' depth chart. Then, he screamed at an assistant coach on the sidelines at the end of Cincinnati's 37-34 loss to Cleveland on Sunday.
He followed that up by putting his home on the market after the game.
"6000 sq. ft city view with huge balcony. 4 bedroom. 4.5 bathroom. In one of the best school districts for sale," Dunlap tweeted. "Do your market analysis and make me offer. Serious inquiries only with proof of funds! Owner is willing to sell furnished or unfurnished!"
He deleted the tweet, but the damage was done. The 11-year veteran had forced his way out of Cincinnati.
"For him to do that on the sideline, obviously I don't agree with it," wide receiver Tyler Boyd said. "I'm just trying to win games."
The Bengals don't have to worry about the distraction anymore. Dunlap was unhappy in Cincinnati. Now he gets a fresh start with a Super Bowl contender.
The Bengals drafted Dunlap in the second-round of the 2010 NFL Draft. His career in the Queen City ends with 82.5 career sacks, which is one shy of Eddie Edwards' franchise record (82.5). He has one sack and 18 tackles this season.
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