Seahawks sign Dante Fowler Jr. to one-year, $5 million deal to bolster edge rush

Key facts

• Dante Fowler Jr. signed a one-year contract worth up to $5 million with the Seattle Seahawks.
• Fowler played for Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde in Atlanta and Dallas.
• He recorded 15 tackles and three sacks in 17 games with the Cowboys in 2025.
• Fowler has 294 tackles, 58.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, one interception, and five fumble recoveries in his career.
• The Seahawks lost edge rusher Boye Mafe in free agency during the 2026 offseason.
• Fowler was the No. 3 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL Draft.
• He missed his entire rookie season due to injury and has played for the Jaguars, Rams, Commanders, and Cowboys.

Seattle fills a defensive gap with a familiar face

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr., a deal worth up to $5 million.comes more than a week after the NFL Draft, as the team addresses a key hole left by the departure of Boye Mafe in free agency. Fowler, 31, visited the Seahawks before the draft and again afterward, signaling sustained interest from the front office. His reunion with defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who coached him in Atlanta and Dallas, made Seattle a natural fit.

A proven pass rusher with a decade of experience

Fowler has appeared in 10 NFL seasons, missing his entire rookie campaign in 2015 after tearing his ACL. Over his career, he has amassed 294 tackles, 58.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, one interception, and five fumble recoveries. He played every game for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, recording 15 tackles and three sacks. Originally selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015, Fowler has also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, and Cowboys. His 58.5 sacks rank among the most productive edge rushers from his draft class.

Reuniting with defensive coordinator Aden Durde

Aden Durde, now Seattle's defensive coordinator, worked with Fowler during his stints as an assistant with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. Fowler played under Durde in Dallas in 2022 and 2023 before returning to the Cowboys for the 2025 season. The familiarity with Durde's system is expected to ease Fowler's transition into Mike Macdonald's defense. The Seahawks had identified edge rusher as a priority after losing Mafe, who signed elsewhere in free agency. In the draft, Seattle added a running back, cornerback, and safety, but did not directly replace Mafe until now.

Contract details and cap implications

Fowler's one-year deal is worth up to $5 million, with incentives likely tied to playing time and sack production. The contract provides Seattle with a veteran presence at a relatively modest cost, allowing flexibility for future moves. The Seahawks have been active in free agency, also signing wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to a $51 million contract, a move some analysts consider an overpay. The $5 million commitment reflects the team's belief that Fowler can contribute immediately as a rotational pass rusher. His durability — having played in every game last season — adds value to a defense that values depth.

Background: From top-three pick to journeyman edge rusher

Fowler's career began with high expectations after being drafted third overall by the Jaguars in 2015. A torn ACL sidelined him for his entire rookie season, but he rebounded to record eight sacks in 2016. He spent four seasons in Jacksonville before being traded to the Rams in 2018, where he posted 11.5 sacks in 2019. After stints with the Falcons (2020) and Commanders (2021), Fowler joined the Cowboys in 2022. He has since become a reliable rotational player, never missing a game over the past three seasons. His career sack total of 58.5 places him among the top active edge rushers without a Pro Bowl selection.

What the signing means for Seattle's defense

Fowler is expected to serve as a rotational edge rusher behind starters Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall, providing veteran depth and leadership. His presence allows the Seahawks to manage snaps and keep younger players fresh. The signing also gives Macdonald a proven pass rusher who can generate pressure on third downs. With Fowler in the fold, Seattle's defense now has a more experienced edge group than it did a week ago. The team's offseason moves suggest a focus on maintaining a competitive defense while rebuilding other areas of the roster.

Outlook: A low-risk move with potential upside

For a one-year, $5 million commitment, the Seahawks are getting a player who has consistently produced sacks and forced fumbles over a decade. Fowler's familiarity with Durde's scheme should accelerate his integration into the defense. If he can replicate his 2025 production — three sacks in a rotational role — the deal will be a solid value. The signing also sends a message that Seattle is not content to wait for young players to develop. By adding a veteran edge rusher, the Seahawks are signaling their intent to compete in the NFC West in 2026.

The bottom line

• Dante Fowler Jr. signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Seahawks, reuniting with defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
• Fowler has 58.5 career sacks and played every game for the Cowboys in 2025, recording three sacks.
• The signing fills the void left by Boye Mafe's departure in free agency during the 2026 offseason.
• Fowler was the No. 3 overall pick in 2015 and has played for five teams over 10 seasons.
• Seattle's defense gains a veteran pass rusher who can rotate and provide depth behind Nwosu and Hall.
• The $5 million deal is a low-risk investment that could pay off if Fowler maintains his durability and production.