After playing out the 2019 season on a one-year deal, Dante Fowler Jr. set himself up to cash in this offseason. And that’s exactly what he’s done in free agency.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Falcons are expected to sign Fowler.
It’s a three-year deal, though the Rams tried to bring him back to Los Angeles before he picked Atlanta.
Fowler enjoyed a breakout season in 2019, recording a career-high 11.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, 16 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He was among the best edge defenders in the NFL with a pass-rush win rate of 23% – tied for eighth-best.
He was the complement to Aaron Donald the Rams have been seeking for quite some time, capitalizing on the one-on-one opportunities he was given thanks to Donald frequently being double-teamed. On the flip side, some are wondering if Fowler’s huge 2019 season was the product of him playing on the same front as Donald.
The Falcons must not see it that way, though. They’re banking on him being a consistent pass rusher on the edge, providing a spark on defense.
As for the Rams, they’re now thin at outside linebacker without Fowler. Clay Matthews is their top edge rusher, with Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Samson Ebukam contributing on the other side.
