Veteran pass rusher could pay surprising dividends in Dallas
Dante Fowler has done his share of bouncing around the NFL since being selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. However, at just 27-years-old, there is still plenty of tread left on his tires. The Cowboys suffered a big loss when defensive end Randy Gregory left to join the Denver Broncos. To counter […]
Dante Fowler has done his share of bouncing around the NFL since being selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. However, at just 27-years-old, there is still plenty of tread left on his tires.
The Cowboys suffered a big loss when defensive end Randy Gregory left to join the Denver Broncos. To counter it they brought back Dorance Armstrong on a two-year deal worth $13 million, but more was needed.
This is where the Fowler signing comes into play for Dallas. Although he doesn't move the needle like other elite pass rushers in the league, Fowler brings an intriguing skill set that could be a solid addition to a Cowboys' pass rush that needs more production.
Brings versatility to the pass rush
DeMarcus Lawrence is the Cowboys starting left defensive end which means Fowler will compete with the aforementioned Armstrong for the role starting role at right end. However, Fowler has shown that he can get to the quarterback from either side.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who completely turned the Cowboys' defense around last season, now has some flexibility with the different combination of pass rushers he wants to attack with during certain situations with Fowler on the roster. This will aid in keeping guys fresh in the fourth quarter when most games in the NFL are decided.
Familiarity with Dan Quinn could aid in his performance
Fowler played his collegiate ball at the University of Florida. When he stepped on campus in 2012, Quinn was the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach there and was a major factor in getting Fowler to flip his commitment from in-state rival Florida State.
Fowler recorded 2.5 sacks and was named to multiple freshman All-American teams, but Quinn left the NFL the next year. When Quinn was the head coach with the Atlanta Falcons, he was instrumental in getting Fowler to sign a three-year deal worth $45 million in 2020. Unfortunately, Quinn was fired after an 0-5 start.
This is Fowler's third go-around with Quinn. Although the previous sample sizes weren't extensive, Fowler spoke about the bond he has with Quinn and his excitement about their reunion.
“He knows the ins and outs of me, on the field and off,” Fowler said. “He knows my family. He knows me personally. I think this is a real cool thing because I think he’s going to help me out on the field and off the field, just as far as having everything in order and doing the right things. When you do that type of stuff, everything takes care of itself.
“This is a fresh start, and I think I needed that. He was willing to give me a chance to come here, so I’m excited for that.”
Quinn is known for his hands-on approach when it comes to motivating and teaching his players, as veteran safety Jayron Kearse vouched for when Quinn was given a multi-year extension in January.
Fowler echoed those sentiments when speaking on Quinn this week.
“He’s just a real dude,” said Fowler. “He’s a guy that you want to play for. I’m fine with just playing for him for the rest of my life, to be honest with you. That’s the type of coach he is.”
Of course, all of this doesn't guarantee that Fowler will perform well for the Cowboys. However, the motivation that Fowler can muster from playing for a guy like Quinn who he has a history and feels believes in him can't be undervalued either. Environments matter to pro athletes.
While Fowler found a new home with the Cowboys, he only signed a one-year deal which makes the 2022 season a contract year for him. He's only tallied 7.5 sacks over the last two seasons, but several injuries (hamstring, tibia, calf, ankle) and testing positive for COVID were big reasons why that was the case.
Fowler has already gotten a jump-start on his eighth season by attending the Cowboys' workouts that started on Monday. That's smart on his part to get a head start on the competition with a potential long-term deal on the table if he plays well.
If that is the case, Fowler could be back in Dallas for the foreseeable future. He's on board with that, but reaching the championship plateau is fueling his fire.
“I would love to be a Cowboy long term,” Fowler said. “But right now, I just want to come in here and contribute and do what I have to do for the team so we can get these wins and get to the Super Bowl.”
Anyone who has thoughts of Fowler returning to his 2019 form in which he registered 11.5 sacks is likely setting themselves up for disappointment. That's unlikely, but Fowler is a player that can help the Cowboys get after the quarterback as a rotation piece/potential starter with his speed and athleticism coming off the edge. And who knows, the Cowboys could luck out and get another quality contributor a la Kearse last year.
Feature image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
