The Los Angeles Rams only had Dante Fowler Jr. for half a season (plus the playoffs) in 2018 before deciding to give him a one-year extension worth up to $14 million. It was a big gamble on a player who hadn’t shown the ability to consistently produce as a pass rusher, but one that paid off for Los Angeles.
Fowler went out and had his best season ever in 2019, recording career-highs in sacks (11.5), tackles (58), QB hits (16), tackles for loss (16) and passes defensed (6). As a complementary player next to Aaron Donald, Fowler more than held his own on the outside.
As great as Fowler was in 2019, he still has more to prove. He said he’s “just getting started.”
Fowler will be a free agent in March unless the Rams sign him to an extension before then. Being just 25 years old and coming off a standout season, Fowler will undoubtedly cash in this offseason the way Za’Darius Smith, Dee Ford and Frank Clark did last offseason.
Whichever team signs him, though, will be betting on Fowler being more than just a one-year wonder. Based on the way he played in his first season as a full-time starter, it’s easy to think he’ll follow up this season with another strong year in 2020.
