The Dallas Cowboys have 16 players set to become unrestricted free agents, and many of them will find new homes in the next couple of weeks. Yet not everyone will be able to find as much success with their next teams, and one of those guys is linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.
The Cowboys' priorities will be retaining George Pickens and Javonte Williams, which will open the door for multiple players to head elsewhere. But Fowler is a player who will struggle to produce at the same level that he did during his time in Dallas.
Dante Fowler Will Burn His Next Team If He Departs from Dallas
Fowler has spent three seasons with the Cowboys, over two different stints. He was more in a reserve role, but still found ways to impact the game. In 51 games (11 starts) with the Cowboys, Fowler had 55 total tackles, 16 TFLs, 26 QB hits, and 13 sacks.
Just last season, Fowler finished with 10 QB hits, three sacks, three pass deflections, and 30 pressures. According to Pro Football Focus, he had an overall grade of 77.6 (21st among 115 graded edge defenders), a pass-rush grade of 72.8 (31st among 115 graded edge defenders), and a run-defense grade of 67.8 (33rd among 115 graded edge defenders).
While Fowler was still an effective depth piece, he had some other forces along the defensive line that made his life easier. Guys like Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Osa Odighizuwa, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Jadeveon Clowney were difference-makers along the defensive line, allowing Fowler to be set up with more one-on-one opportunities, putting him in a successful position.
The Cowboys saw their pass rush improve upon the arrival of Williams from the New York Jets via trade, making the prospects of the 2026 season that much more exciting with the potential of this unit. Yet, Fowler is likely going to get a deal as a depth piece elsewhere.
His pressures and hurries were the lowest since the 2021 season, when he missed three games. Fowler has also seen those numbers dip over the last five seasons, which could indicate where his play is headed.
Spotrac projects that Fowler will land a one-year, $5 million deal on the open market. While that isn't a hefty price point, the Cowboys are likely going to let him walk and use that money elsewhere. And for a defender who will be 32 years old when the 2026 season begins, it appears his best days are behind him, leaving the front office and coaching staff in Dallas with the belief Fowler won't be able to have the same impact elsewhere that he did with the Cowboys.