Agent Drew Rosenhaus has reportedly had conversations with the Miami Dolphins about veteran free agents Carlos Dunlap and Akiem Hicks.
.@DrewJRosenhaus tells me he has had discussions w/ the #Dolphins regarding both Carlos Dunlap (@Carlos_Dunlap) & Akiem Hicks (@The_Dream99). #FinsUp has roughly $20 million left in cap space 4 2022. More tonight on @7SportsXtra! #NFL #NFLTwitter #MiamiDolphins #football #Miami pic.twitter.com/uUOHIzLdXG
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) May 2, 2022
The 33-year-old Dunlap had been with the Seattle Seahawks since being acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals in October 2020. Hicks is a 32-year-old defensive lineman who played for the Chicago Bears for the past six seasons.
While the Dolphins made efforts to bolster the team’s defense during last week’s 2022 NFL Draft, they were limited by having just four picks during the entire process. That fact, along with the money the Dolphins still have available, helps explain the team’s inquiries about Dunlap and Hicks.
Last season, Dunlap only started two of the Seahawks’ 17 games, but he remained a pass-rushing threat, finishing with 8.5 sacks on the year. That ability to get to the quarterback was something he did regularly as a member of the Bengals, collecting 82.5 sacks during his time with them.
Hicks was limited to just nine games last season, starting each contest and finishing with 3.5 sacks. His departure from the Bears was expected after he was unable to come to an agreement with them about a contract extension.
The Seahawks are in the midst of rebuilding their franchise after trading quarterback Russell Wilson. Meanwhile, the Bears have a new head coach in Matt Eberflus.
For the Dolphins, getting more heat on opposing passers could make the difference after two consecutive seasons of coming up just short of the postseason. Last season, the Dolphins ended their year by sacking opposing quarterbacks 48 times.
