The Seahawks made a significant addition to their secondary on Tuesday, acquiring cornerback Quinton Dunbar in a trade that sent a fifth-round pick to Washington.
Dunbar, 27, started 11 games last season before going on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, and recorded four interceptions, eight passes defensed and 37 tackles. Pro Football Focus put Dunbar on its second-team All-Pro team, and gave him an 87.6 overall grade, the second-best mark among cornerbacks last season.
Dunbar came into the league in 2015 as an undrafted free agent out of Florida, where he played receiver. During training camp of his rookie season, Dunbar was converted to cornerback and started eight games during his first three seasons before winning a starting role in the 2018, a season that was cut short due to injury after seven games.
The Seahawks return both starting cornerbacks from last season, Shaquill Griffin, who is coming off of his first Pro Bowl nod, and Tre Flowers, a starter in each of his two NFL seasons after playing safety in college. But even with those two back, both Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have made it clear that improving on defense is a priority this offseason.
Schneider noted that Seattle ranked 26th in total defense, and while one obvious focus he and Carroll mentioned is the pass rush, he said when asked about the secondary, "Obviously we want to get better. If I told you that we were satisfied with the performance I'd be lying. We all need to get better."
When Carroll was asked about the defense a day after the 2019 season came to an end, he said, "We were not consistent. Too many explosive plays of various natures."
While Dunbar will have to compete for playing time like everyone else, his track record suggests he could be a player that helps the Seahawks defense improve in 2020.
Following this trade, the Seahawks currently hold seven picks in the 2020 draft.
Round 1, 27 overall
Round 2, 59
Round 2, 64 (from Kansas City)
Round 3, 101*
Round 4, 133
Round 4, 144*
Round 6, 214*
*—Compensatory selections.
