By Sunday 
Dante Fowler Rejoins Dallas on a One-Year Deal
The Dallas Cowboys have made a key move to bolster their defensive line, bringing back a familiar face. Veteran defensive end Dante Fowler is returning to Dallas on a one-year, $6 million deal, with the potential to earn up to $8 million through incentives.
Fowler, who previously played for the Cowboys in 2022, spent last season with the Washington Commanders under former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Now, he’s set to reunite with Dallas in 2025, providing much-needed depth and experience to the pass rush.
A Strong Addition to the Defensive Front
Fowler has had an eventful career since being selected third overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. After missing his rookie year due to an ACL injury, he developed into a capable pass rusher, recording 14 sacks over four seasons in Jacksonville.
His journey has also taken him to the Rams, Falcons, and Commanders, where he continued to make an impact. In 2024, Fowler played all 17 games for Washington, starting seven and racking up 10.5 sacks—his best total since 2019.
Filling a Major Need in Dallas
The Cowboys have seen some notable departures on defense this offseason, with DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston signing elsewhere. Until now, Dallas had not made any significant moves to replace them. While they managed to re-sign Osa Odighizuwa, the defensive line was looking thin.
Fowler’s return changes that. He brings proven pass-rushing ability and familiarity with the team’s personnel. Playing alongside Micah Parsons should also work in his favor. In 2023, when Fowler played with Parsons, his pass-rush win rate stood at 14%. That number dipped to 10.1% in 2024, but with the right scheme and support, he could regain that efficiency.
What to Expect Under Matt Eberflus
With former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus taking over as defensive coordinator, Dallas is shifting to a more traditional 4-3 scheme. Eberflus isn’t known for dialing up heavy blitzes—Chicago blitzed on just 29.6% of plays in 2023, ranking 25th in the league.
For Fowler, that means he’ll primarily be tasked with winning one-on-one matchups against opposing tackles. If he can maintain his 2024 production, the Cowboys could have one of the most formidable edge-rushing tandems in the league with Parsons on the other side.
Cowboys Still Have Offensive Holes to Fill
While Fowler’s signing strengthens the defense, the Cowboys still have major questions on offense. The running back room is thin, with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders as the primary options alongside Deuce Vaughn.
The offensive line also remains a concern, and the team could use another reliable wide receiver. Dallas did add Parris Campbell, but his role is uncertain beyond training camp.
With the NFL Draft approaching, the Cowboys are expected to prioritize offensive talent. A running back in the second or third round seems like a strong possibility, along with reinforcements for the offensive line and receiving corps.
For now, though, the return of Fowler provides a welcome boost to the Cowboys’ defensive front as they prepare for the 2025 season.