In 2024, the Washington Commanders built their defense around the expertise of head coach Dan Quinn, who has been recognized as one of the NFL’s top defensive coordinators over the past decade.
After being hired on February 1, Quinn leveraged his experience to make brilliant moves in free agency. One of the most significant of these was signing edge rusher Dante Fowler to a one-year, $3.25 million deal. Fowler has since revitalized his career, leading the team with 8.5 sacks through 13 games, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s top pass rushers.
Bleacher Report’s Dante Fowler believes the Commanders should act quickly to reward Fowler with a new contract, as the team sits at 8-5 going into their Dante Fowler, firmly controlling their playoff hopes.
Holder emphasized Fowler’s age as an important factor that could influence his market value. He also suggested that the Commanders might consider offering Dante Fowler. For example, if Fowler manages to reach 10 sacks by the end of the regular season, the team could offer him a one-year, $10 million contract.
One Thing NFL Teams Always Need: Pass Rushers
The Commanders may already view Fowler as being beyond their financial reach, as Dante Fowler teams are always on the lookout for pass rushers due to the rotational nature of the position. The more depth a team can have in that area, the better their chances are.
In November, Holder speculated that Fowler could become a key target for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency, a team that has struggled to establish a consistent pass rush throughout the season.
“Tampa Bay could use some help at edge rusher, and that need will only grow in the offseason when Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson become free agents,” Holder wrote.
Fowler Went From No. 3 Overall Pick to Journeyman
Fowler was a two-time All-SEC selection at Florida before being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. However, his career had a rough start when he tore his ACL on the first day of rookie minicamp. His situation worsened with a controversy involving a $700,000 fine imposed on him by Executive VP and former head coach Tom Coughlin, which ultimately led to Coughlin’s firing in December 2019.
Fowler was traded to the Los Angeles Rams midway through the 2018 season, where he played well enough to earn a one-year, $12 million contract in 2019. In 2020, he secured a three-year, $45 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
After playing on one-year contracts with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 and 2023, Fowler signed with the Commanders. His 8.5 sacks through the first 13 games of the 2024 season are his highest total since recording 11.5 sacks with the Rams in 2019.
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