The Dallas Cowboys took several hits along the defensive line during the 2024 NFL season, with Sam Williams suffering a season-ending injury in training camp, DeMarcus Lawrence missing most of the season with a foot injury, and Micah Parsons missing games with a high-ankle sprain.
The flurry of injuries proved the Cowboys need to add depth to its pass rush, and with Lawrence potentially leaving the team during free agency, it becomes a more pressing need.
Luckily for the ‘Boys, there will be a handful of options who can immediately contribute to the pass rushing rotation.
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One of those players is a familiar face who played with the team in 2022 and 2023, Washington Commanders defensive end Dante Fowler.
Fowler is coming off of a double-digit sack season and has been named as a “potential fit” to return to Big D.
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. reacts to a tackle against Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery. / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report writes, “A return to Dallas, where Fowler played in 2022 and 2023, would make plenty of sense. The Cowboys may part with DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency and are projected to be $5.7 million over the salary cap.”
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Dallas can free up nearly $100 million in salary cap by restructuring the deals of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, while extending Micah Parsons.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
If Dallas takes that approach, adding Fowler could end up being a no-brainer.
We will have to wait and see whether Jerry Jones actually decides to sign quality free agents this offseason, but if he does, Fowler is certainly an intriguing option.
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