After a decade in Cincinnati, Carlos Dunlap II knew that if he was ever going to switch teams, he wanted that move to take place because he was going to a contender that needed his help.
A trade to the NFC West-leading Seahawks, a team that had only nine sacks through the six games prior to making the move, provides just that opportunity for the two-time Pro-Bowl defensive end. After being acquired last week in a trade and going through the necessary COVID-19 testing protocol, Dunlap was on the practice field Wednesday for the first time with his new team.
"It's a win-win situation," Dunlap said. "At this point in my career, if I were to ever put play and put on another jersey, I wanted to go to an organization where I was the last piece to help them win and get a Super Bowl."
Dunlap called Seattle's defense "a great fit" for the way he plays, and likes the "Leo" defensive end role Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told him he'll play.
"I feel like it's a great fit," he said. "These guys fly around. I've been an edge defender my whole career, I've been left end, been right end, been in the 4-3 style, and this is what we're doing here. I'm being asked to do what I've done my best football doing, so it's a win-win situation for me. I don't know how to explain it in any clearer terms, but this is definitely a win-win situation for me. I'm excited, excited and fired up to do what I do. With all the banners that they got up in here, they're used to being in the big games and being on the better side of the big games, and I want to compete with those guys and help them win those big games, whatever it takes."
Carroll said that despite being new to the team, there shouldn't be any limitations on how they can use Dunlap for this week's game in Buffalo, and linebacker Bobby Wagner said the veteran end already knew what he was doing when he took the field for Wednesday morning's walk thru.
"We've just got to get him acclimated, but he's a pro," Wagner said. "We came out in the walk thru and he already was studying plays, he already knows everything, and me and K.J. (Wright) will help him out on the field, so he'll be fine."
Dunlap already put together a great career in his 10-plus seasons with the Bengals, recording 82.5 sacks in 155 career games, but he sees this trade as a chance to write a new chapter in his career, one he hopes can end with him helping the Seahawks to postseason success.
"I'm revived, refresh, and I've got an opportunity to reset and write this chapter," he said. "So I have full confidence in grabbing the pen and writing it exactly how I want to, and looking forward to this first start on Sunday of putting those first words the first paragraph down, and the Seahawks have given me a golden pen."
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seattle Seahawks' Week 8 game vs. the San Francisco 49ers. Eye on the Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.
Cornerback Ugo Amadi honored World Series champion Mookie Betts with his game day outfit.
Seahawks defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard walks onto the field for early warmups.
Seahawks rookie tight end Colby Parkinson pauses to kneel and pray before taking the field for his early warmups. Sunday would be Parkinson's first game in the NFL.
Seahawks DeeJay Dallas and Penny Hart share a smile during early pregame.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is laser focused while taking his early throws.
Seahawks defensive lineman work in the southeast corner of the field as Bryan Mone takes a rep with assistant head coach Clint Hurtt and defensive assistant Damione Lewis
Seahawks defensive linemen gather at the conclusion of their early warmups.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf reaches for a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson during early warmups.
Seahawks tight end Will Dissly rises for a "layup" with the football at the end of a route during warmups.
Seahawks quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends huddle at the end of their early warmups as CenturyLink Field is bathed in autumn sun.
Seahawks tight ends Luke Willson and Colby Parkinson stop to say hi to a group of first responders and firefighters from around the state on a virtual livestream.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf rises to make a catch during early warmups.
Seahawks defensive backs huddle before taking the field for pregame warmups.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf allows himself a smile while stretching before the game.
Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas prepares for the first start of his career.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll wears custom-painted shoes for the Coach The Vote initiative. The shoes were painted by local Seattle artist Aramis Homer.
Seahawks rookie right guard Damien Lewis finds a quiet spot to talk on the phone to family members prior to the game.
Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton carries the 12 flag to lead the team onto the field.
Seahawks head athletic trainer David Stricklin talks to tight end Colby Parkinson on the sideline before the game. Stricklin, whose team worked extensively with Parkinson during his rehab from injury, jokingly told the rookie to not be intimidated by all the fans in the stands for his first game as a pro.
Seahawks offensive lineman Jordan Simmons is focused before kickoff.
Seahawks offensive lineman Cedric Ogbuehi is supported by teammates as he takes a knee during the national anthem.
Seahawks safety Ryan Neal tries valiantly to keep a fumble by the 49ers in play but was ruled out-of-bounds by the officials after a replay.
Seahawks cornerback D.J. Reed celebrates with Ryan Neal (35) and Stephen Sullivan (48) after intercepting a pass against his former team.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf turns the corner and finds daylight on his way to a 46-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the first quarter to give Seattle a 6-0 lead.
Seahawks defensive back Quinton Dunbar breaks up a pass.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf leaps to catch a 35-yard pass from Russell Wilson to set up a Seattle touchdown.
On the sidelines, receivers coach Nate Carroll talks to Tyler Lockett between offensive series.
Seahawks defensive tackle Poona Ford drags down 49ers receiver Trent Taylor for six yard loss in the second quarter.
Seahawks Poona Ford (97), Tre Flowers (21) and Jonathan Bullard (93) celebrate Ford's tackle for loss in the second quarter.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner celebrates after sacking 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for a 10-yard loss.
Seahawks quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Geno Smith discuss strategy with receivers coach Nate Carroll and senior offensive assistant Sanjay Lal.
Seahawks special teams members and head coach Pete Carroll celebrate a fumble recovery in the third quarter which was caused by Cody Barton and recovered by Nick Bellore.
Seahawks receiver David Moore flips over after scoring on a touchdown pass from Russell Wilson in the third quarter.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed helps up teammate Alton Robinson after a sack of Jimmy Garoppolo, who left the game with an injury after the play.
Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas sizes up a 49ers defender on a second half run.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers celebrates with holder Michael Dickson after Myers made a 48-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar nearly intercepts a pass by 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks lineebacker Bobby Wagner hits 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens in the fourth quarter.
The Seahawks brought all five of their tight ends onto the field for their victory kneel-down formation. On the field are Luke Willson (82), Colby Parkinson (84), Greg Olsen (88), Jacob Hollister (86) and Will Dissly (89).
After the game, running back DeeJay Dallas was all smiles meeting with the media via a virtual press conference due to COVID-19 restrictions.
