The Dallas Cowboys are in a new era under Brian Schottenheimer, but they might have wished they had parted ways with Mike McCarthy sooner after Dan Quinn’s success with the Washington Commanders.
Quinn’s first year in Washington was a success after leaving the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator position. The Commanders went 12-5 and made their way to the conference championship game for the first time since 1991, falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
With Jayden Daniels and the acquisition of Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, it would be hard for a player to turn down Quinn for another season. But the Cowboys were able to convince one of his top pass-rushers to cross the lines of this NFC rivalry on Friday afternoon.
Cowboys Poach Edge Rusher Dante Fowler Jr. From Commanders
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Cowboys have agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with Dante Fowler Jr. The 31-year-old spent two seasons playing under Quinn and followed him to Washington, collecting 10.5 sacks for the Commanders last season. But while there was interest in a return, Fowler decided to head back to Dallas for a solid payday.
Fowler has had highs and lows during his nine-year career, collecting 55.5 sacks, including an 11.5-sack campaign with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. Fowler also was successful as a situational pass rusher for the Cowboys, registering 10 sacks over two seasons before signing a one-year, $3.25 million contract with Washington last spring.
Fowler also had strong pressure numbers, racking up 50 quarterback pressures and a 13.2% win rate on 387 pass-rushing snaps.
The return will help the Cowboys add another weapon to their pass rush. Longtime pass rusher Demarcus Lawrence left Dallas to sign a three-year, $32.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks this week. The Cowboys were also planning on playing Sam Williams across from Micah Parsons next season and Fowler’s return should help him push for a starting spot next year.
Quinn’s Commanders should be in good shape after signing Deatrich Wise Jr. and Javon Kinlaw to bolster their defensive line. But the Cowboys are hoping to get a similar version of Fowler that Quinn utilized last season to lead Washington to a deep playoff run.