Five Possible Landing Spots for Quinton Dunbar

Redskins Defensive Back Quinton Dunbar has made it vividly clear that he longer wants to be with the team.

But that held little weight, until now. A report by Mike Florio in Pro Football Talk surfaced last night stating that the Redskins are now shopping the talented, yet disgruntled corner. Dunbar is now available, for the right price.

This issue has come to a head with the young corner out-performing his contract. At 27, Dunbar has provided flashes of elite ability, but has struggled to stay on the field.

Coach Ron Rivera and Vice President of Player Personnel Kyle Smith had planned to retain Dunbar’s services, for his 3.25 million dollar salary is a bargain for a starting corner. In fact, they asserted that “all players under contract are expected to be here.”

I guess they had enough.

Dunbar has expressed frustration and has now taken his exit strategy to social media. So far he has held no punches.

https://twitter.com/chosen1_47/status/1239956307588730881?s=20

And…

https://twitter.com/chosen1_47/status/1241535014942244869?s=20

Ultimately this friction created between player and the organization cannot coexist. Especially with a coach trying to change the culture in Washington. Hence, Dunbar is on the market and likely headed elsewhere.

An Interesting Case…

The question now is, where will this “new beginning take place?” Dunbar’s value is perplexing considering the tumultuous ride that he offers. At 27, he is approaching his prime and has the ability to provide years of elite play.

But he’s also injury-prone. Since Dunbar joined the team, he has only played in 58 of a possible 80 games. More alarmingly, over the last two seasons he has only appeared in half of the ‘Skins contests (18 of 36).

However, in those 18 games he has thrived. Over the past two years, Dunbar has accumulated six interceptions, 76 tackles and 11 pass defensed.

Does that deserve elite money? That’s up for NFL teams to decide. Free agent contracts have indicated that the going rate for a starting cornerback appears to be ten million per season. Should the Redskins pay that? They’re not.

But who would?

Possible Landing Spots

1. Detroit Lions

Available Cap Space: $40,034,995

Why it makes sense: The team just lost an elite talent in cornerback Darius Slay. They have 40M dollars in cap space, and Coach Matt Patricia built his reputation as the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

Why it doesn’t: One of the Lions’ offseason additions was Desmond Trufant who inked a new two-year, 21 million dollar contract with the team. The deal also includes 14M guaranteed. Do the Lions want to pony-up and form a dynamic duo in Detroit? Dunbar would only have to leapfrog journeyman Justin Coleman for a starting spot.

2. San Francisco 49ers

Available Cap Space: $15,329,753

Why it makes sense: The team was on the brink of winning an NFL title last year and had a bullying defense that spear-headed their success. Their number one corner is an aging Richard Sherman, who turns 33 in a couple of days. Their other corner is Ahkello Witherspoon, and they lack much depth after that.

Why it doesn’t: The team is up against the cap. A 10 million dollar cornerback may render the team completely immobile the rest of free agency. Would the 49ers deem Dunbar as the missing piece to a Super Bowl Run? I don’t see it.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Available Cap Space: $3,475,955

Why it makes sense: Their defensive backfield has now become barren with Kendall Fuller leaving the team and joining the Redskins. Bashaud Breeland is also a free agent, leaving Kansas City with Keith Reaser and Charvarius Ward as the team’s top two options. Looks kind of bleak.

Why it doesn’t: Kansas City is pressed against the cap and has a NFL-altering mega deal with Patrick Mahomes pending. Mahomes could command 40M dollars a year. The Chiefs may be more prudent in investing in the draft.

4. Atlanta Falcons

Available Cap Space: $2,532,806

Why it makes sense: The Falcons have invested heavily in their offense over the last few years, and their window may be closing as Julio Jones and Matt Ryan approach the end of their careers. They pushed their chips in further by adding Todd Gurley to the mix. However, their defense needs help. They currently are trotting out Jordan Miller and Isaiah Oliver out onto the field as their top DB options. That’s tough in a division that goes against Tom Brady, Teddy Bridgewater, and Drew Brees six times a year.

Why it doesn’t: The Falcons have no money. They are going to have to shed some cap space, or incorporate a trade to acquire Dunny.

5. Minnesota Vikings

Available Cap Space: $11,671,301

Why it makes sense: The Vikings are in a contending window and just added two more years to Kirk Cousins’ contract. The offense has been prolific, and they are now going to lose Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander to free agency. As it currently stands Mike Hughes and Nate Meaders are their top options.

Why it doesn’t: The Vikings acquired the Buffalo Bills’ first round selection and now hold the 22nd and 25th picks of the first round. These are prime locations for a team to add a receiver and cornerback for cheap.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dunbar may get his wish by leaving the Redskins and joining another team. However, his demands may be excessive considering the glut in the cornerback market. As of this morning, big names such as Trumaine Johnson, Xavier Rhodes, Jimmy Smith, Logan Ryan and Aqib Talib are still available. Does Dunbar warrant a contract bigger than them?

Other teams in need of a cornerback include the Bears, Broncos, Cowboys and Raiders. So Quinton does have a few options. But do they view Dunbar as the piece to push them over the top?