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For a second year in a row, it seems as if the Seattle Seahawks may have fleeced another team out of a star player. Last year, John Schneider and Pete Carroll practically stole Jadeveon Clowney from the Houston Texans. This year, the Hawks took star cornerback Quinton Dunbar from the Washington Redskins.
Last year, Dunbar was ranked the #2 corner back in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, but with the institution of new head coach Ron Rivera and a bitter contract situation, Dunbar was on the trade block. Making just $4.5 million on the final year of his contract, Dunbar had been hoping for a contract extension. Rivera on the crux of building a new regime had no desire for distractions and shipped him off for a 5th round pick.
At 27 years old, the former Florida Gator has an injury history, but has excelled when healthy. The Hawks have Dunbar on what is essentially a “prove-it” deal. In 5 years, Dunny has only matured as a starter as of last year. With a career best 4 interceptions and 8 passes defensed, Dunny has really come into his own.
Dunbar instantly upgrades a position that has proven to be a challenge for CB Tre Flowers. Dunny will be an instant starter and hopefully a catalyst to get Flowers to upgrade his game. With Shaquille Griffen, Quandre Diggs, and now Dunbar, the Hawks have one of the most fearsome defensive backfields in the NFL.
