It isn't difficult to see that Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. has been a complete frustration early on in the season. The edge rusher simply isn't creating the expected negative plays or getting into the backfield to force the quarterback to make quick decisions. Everything about Fowler's first three games with Dallas has been an objective disappointment. Something that Cowboys fans in many ways should've expected after the departure of Micah Parsons.
NFL fans have seen this movie before with Fowler after an impressive stint with the Los Angeles Rams, where, alongside Aaron Donald, Fowler was able to pile up double-digit sacks. It was an effort the Atlanta Falcons paid the defender top dollar for, only to find out that without Aaron Donald, the veteran is a far different player. Quickly, Atlanta grew frustrated and was forced to turn the page on a highly-paid contract.
Cowboys Pass Rusher Dante Fowler Jr. Continues to Frustrate Fans with Slow Start
This was due to the simple fact that the Falcons didn't have a primary edge rusher that the opposing offensive line had to scheme for. Take this away, and Fowler is little better than a rotational option who shouldn't be anywhere near a capable starting lineup. When Fowler isn't surrounded by pass-rushing talent, the results are going to be consistently frustrating. The good news for Cowboys fans is the fact that, with only $6 million invested, it is an easy deal to escape.
While wasting $6 million is never a great feeling for a franchise, it is better than the $48 million the Falcons handed the veteran after a great season with the Rams. One that was repeated last year in Washington, with a Dan Quinn-led defense consistently scheming ways for Fowler to get to the quarterback. This allowed the veteran to finish the year with 10.5 sacks, his best number since the 2019 season.
Part of what makes this signing for the Cowboys so interesting is the fact that both the 2022 and 2023 seasons were spent in Dallas. Even playing with Micah Parsons, it was understood that the production would be limited. Fowler's best offering was the first season when the veteran totaled 6.0 sacks and 27 tackles.
With this in mind, it was always a risk to pay the pass rusher, and opting to do so after a career year only magnified this. Leaving no question that the $6 million that the Cowboys dolled out was a complete and utter waste.