The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are finalizing a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with experienced pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr., according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The source requested anonymity since the agreement has not yet been completed.
The 31-year-old Fowler spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys, recording three quarterback sacks across 17 appearances while making 11 starts.
The veteran defender is expected to help fill the gap left by Boye Mafe’s departure, as the former Seattle pass rusher signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals during free agency. Mafe accumulated 20 quarterback takedowns during his four-year tenure with the Seahawks.
Originally selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL draft, Fowler has compiled 58.5 career sacks over his decade-long professional career. Beyond Jacksonville and his two separate tenures in Dallas, the veteran has suited up for the Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Commanders.
During his 2024 campaign with Washington, Fowler tallied 10.5 sacks, marking his second-highest single-season total. His career-best performance came in 2019 with the Rams when he recorded 11.5 takedowns.
Following this year’s draft, Seahawks football operations president John Schneider indicated the team would explore adding a pass rusher through free agency after choosing not to draft one. Fowler matches Seattle’s desired profile for the position and will join a relatively inexperienced linebacker corps featuring Jared Ivey, Jamie Sheriff, Connor O’Toole, and Jalan Gaines.
