The Seattle Seahawks are making moves to bolster their pass rush, and they've set their sights on a familiar face. According to a source who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the reigning Super Bowl champions are finalizing a one-year deal with veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. worth up to $5 million.
At 31 years old, Fowler brings a wealth of experience to a Seahawks defense that just lost a key piece. Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, he appeared in 17 games—starting 11—and recorded three sacks. While those numbers might not jump off the page, his role is clear: help fill the void left by Boye Mafe, who signed a lucrative three-year, $60 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Mafe was a consistent force for Seattle, tallying 20 sacks over four seasons.
Fowler's journey in the NFL has been anything but quiet. Selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 draft, he's amassed 58.5 sacks over 10 seasons with five different teams. His best year came in 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams, where he notched a career-high 11.5 sacks. He followed that up with a strong 2024 campaign for the Washington Commanders, recording 10.5 sacks—his second-best single-season output.
Beyond the Jaguars, Rams, and Commanders, Fowler has also suited up for the Atlanta Falcons and has two stints with the Cowboys. This versatility and veteran savvy are exactly what Seattle needs as they look to reload after a Super Bowl win.
Seahawks president of football operations John Schneider hinted at this move earlier, noting after the team passed on drafting an edge rusher that they'd explore free agency to address the position. Fowler now joins a relatively inexperienced group that includes linebackers Jared Ivey, Jamie Sheriff, Connor O'Toole, and Jalan Gaines. His leadership and proven track record could be the spark this defense needs to keep its championship momentum rolling.
