The NFL journey of Quinton Dunbar has been checkered since the cornerback was traded by the Washington Football Team in 2020. Dunbar was released Thursday by the Detroit Lions, the team announced.
The Lions coincidentally signed a former Washington player, running back Craig Reynolds in a corresponding move.
Dunbar had been absent from the team since the early portion of training camp. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell described Dunbar’s absence was for “personal” matters. Campbell previously sounded as if the team was supportive of Dunbar. However, on the eve of their preseason opener, the Lions are moving on from the 29-year old cornerback.
Dunbar spent five seasons with the Washington Football Team after going undrafted in 2015 out of Florida. He transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback. There he developed into a talented defensive back and became a fan favorite. He led Washington with four interceptions in 2019.
However, he became disgruntled over his contract in the 2020 offseason with Ron Rivera coming into his first year as Washington’s head coach. The team was reluctant on renegotiating contracts.
Ultimately, Dunbar was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in March for a 2020 fifth-round draft pick that turned into linebacker Khaleke Hudson. Washington also traded left tackle Trent Williams to the San Francisco 49ers after a similar contract squabble.
Williams has thrived and has become the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman with a new deal with San Francisco. Unfortunately, Dunbar hasn’t had the same fortune.
Last summer he faced legal troubles after initially being charged stemming from an armed robbery alongside fellow NFL defensive back DeAndre Baker. Charges were later dropped on Dunbar.
On the field in Seattle, Dunbar’s 2020 season was cut short after six games played with a knee injury. He was placed on injured reserve. He later underwent knee surgery in December.
The Lions were hoping for Dunbar to compete for a starting cornerback spot. Now, he is back on the market with questions surrounding his absence
