Bargain sack artist free agent Dante Fowler could intrigue plenty of teams that are looking for a pass rusher in next month’s free agency. According to one report, the Commanders should prioritize re-signing Fowler but it’s likely will extend Bobby Wagner to a new contract. Originally selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the veteran became one of the more important players for the Jaguars but became a journeyman for most of his career. The Cowboys brought him in on a bargain steal and had one of the most explosive seasons with them, recording 13 tackles, four sacks and seven quarterback pressures.
However, since Dallas couldn’t afford to sign him to another one-year deal, the Commanders brought him into Dan Quinn’s rebuild of Washington to bring some familiarity. Quinn did this to find capable replacements after Montez Sweat and Chase Young left for greener pastures where Fowler was able to record his first career interception against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. However, he was extremely productive in his 2024 campaign with the Commanders, recording 10.5 sacks and 20 quarterbacks. Fowler could be looking for a long-term extension and even though Washington has the money, it might be out of their market.
Despite that, the linebacker should have several teams wanting his services to bolster the pass rush. If he departs, this will be another season he travels to a new team as a lone journeyman. Teams like the Ravens, Chargers could steal him away from the Commanders.
“Overlooked” Veteran Free Agent Dante Fowler Jr. Could Intrigue Ravens, Chargers
A Bargain Grab
The Baltimore Ravens have a depleting defense that is getting younger as every season progresses. Last offseason, they lost several key free agents including Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone due to salary cap. However, they didn’t do much to find a capable replacement since there wasn’t anyone available to steal as a bargain. Trenton Simpson is no reliable pass rusher in this league even though it’s early in his career. Perhaps, they could bolster the defensive unit and sign Fowler to a one-year deal to get him in rotation to see how he could excel in the Ravens’ trenches.
Fowler had one of the most promising seasons last year so playing alongside Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy could boost his production. He is no superstar anymore but Fowler could easily carve out his own role and keep this defense on balance.
Replacement for Khalil Mack?
Nobody loves playing a football game more than head coach Jim Harbaugh when it comes down to winning with a capable old-school defense. Khalil Mack will probably leave the team in free agency as he’s open to returning to the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Chargers could release Joey Bosa since he hasn’t been consistent in recent memory and he isn’t worth the cap hit.
With that, the team will need to find a capable man to get after the quarterback. While there’s a strong chance they may re-sign Poona Ford, they need replacements in the linebacker unit. The Chargers have money to burn so they could perhaps sign him to a lucrative two-year deal until they find a linebacker in the draft.
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