FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys made their second external move on Friday, agreeing to a one-year deal with Dante Fowler Jr. After losing Randy Gregory to the Denver Broncos at the beginning of the week, Fowler provides depth on the edge. The contract is reportedly worth around $5 million for the 2022 season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Fowler with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 draft. The edge rusher has 35 sacks over his career but totaled just 7.5 over the previous two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, leading to his release in February. During the two seasons, he played in 28 games and recorded 59 tackles.
His most productive season came with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, where he totaled 11.5 sacks – hitting double-digits for the first time in his career.
The Cowboys are hopeful that a reunion with Dan Quinn, who coached Fowler in Atlanta to begin the 2020 season, can help revitalize his career in 2022. In 91 career games, Fowler has started in just 41, likely becoming a rotational pass-rusher donning a Star. Dallas has retained Dorance Armstrong (one-year deal) and Leighton Vander Esch (one-year deal) on defense.
Fowler joins a defensive end group featuring DeMarcus Lawrence, Armstrong, Tarell Basham and Chauncey Golston. Micah Parsons, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, will additionally make an impact rushing the passer in stunts and blitz packages.
