Seahawks might not be willing to keep Carlos Dunlap on his current contract

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When the Seahawks traded to defensive end Carlos Dunlap last season, he agreed to adjust his contract, taking a pay cut of around $ 3 million for the remainder of the 2020 season, but getting a bonus of roster of $ 3 million due on the fifth day of the 2021 league. yr.

As that day approaches, the Seahawks may decide they are not prepared to pay this bonus.

Seattle to cut Dunlap before that $ 3 million bonus arrives next month seems likely, according to ESPN.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Dunlap wouldn’t stay in Seattle. It’s possible the Seahawks could cut Dunlap before this roster bonus expires, let him test a free agency, and then re-sign him if he doesn’t sign elsewhere. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he was happy with Dunlap last season and gave him credit for being part of the Seahawks’ defensive turnaround last season, so the team would love to have him.

But Dunlap’s salary cap hit this year is expected to exceed $ 14 million. Without lowering that number, Dunlap likely won’t be back in Seattle.