Quindarius Dunnigan’s two years at Michigan State may not have been the most memorable, but blame Jonathan Smith and the coaching staff and not the veteran defensive lineman for that.
Michigan State went just 9-15 over his two seasons and while he was a captain, he spent most of his time coming off the bench to join the regular playing rotation. He improved from his first to his second season at Michigan State, but you kind of expect that from a seventh-year player.
In two years at Michigan State, Dunnigan finished with 42 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks as his 2023 season really overshadowed the rest of his career.
The Middle Tennessee State transfer has still found a way to make it to the NFL, signing a contract after the 2026 draft with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Undrafted free agents always face an uphill climb to make their respective rosters, but Dunnigan is no stranger to fighting for respect.
I think he’ll have a chance to make the Jaguars’ 53-man roster, but it may not be right away.
Quindarius Dunnigan may have to play the long game
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Jaguars’ projected 2026 depth chart would have an undrafted defensive lineman like Dunnigan buried for the forseeable future.
While I think he could hang around and make the practice squad and work his way up that way, I think he may have to take advantage of a potential injury or two and never look back. He’ll already be facing an uphill climb toward a practice squad spot, but getting signed quickly after the draft proves that there’s a need for him in Jacksonville, even if it’s not right at this very moment.
I don’t see a current path for Dunnigan to receive any serious playing time this season if he did somehow make the 53-man roster, but I see him starting on the practice squad.
Looking at the Jaguars’ depth chart, they have guys like Travon Walker, DaVon Hamilton, Josh Hines-Allen, and Arik Armstead as likely starters and thet just drafted three defensive lineman last weekend while also adding Ruke Orhorhoro. This unit is pretty stacked and Dunnigan is known as a guy who proves himself over time.
It may not happen right away, but maybe a game or two at the NFL level in 2026 would lead to some serious confidence and a new fire lit under him for a 2027 push at a 53-man roster.
Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening during his rookie year. I’d love to be wrong obviously.
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