The Dallas Cowboys have officially lost their edge rusher, Dante Fowler Jr. The 31-year-old has signed with the current Super Bowl-winning team, the Seattle Seahawks. For the Cowboys, Fowler’s exit adds another layer to the franchise's defensive shake-up.

Following key offseason departures, the Seahawks had pursued Fowler to bolster their pass-rushing unit and to improve their championship-ready team by adding veteran experience.

Last Tuesday, Fowler decided to leave Dallas for a one-year deal with the Seahawks.

The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported, “Veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is signing with the Seahawks on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million.”

Fowler’s signing quickly caught attention because it involved a defender leaving Dallas for the defending champions. He had extensive experience and familiarity with several defensive tactics when he played for Dallas.

The Seahawks saw him as an affordable veteran who was capable of contributing in pass-rush situations. It is also reported that his relationships with the Seahawks' coaches were the major factor behind his decision.

However, for Dallas, losing another experienced defender has created more pressure on the team. They are depending on future roster additions to balance the defensive front before the training camp begins.

DeMarcus Lawrence’s Advice Helped Seahawks Get Cowboys Pass Rusher

Before Fowler Jr. left Dallas, he had a long talk with former Cowboys teammate DeMarcus Lawrence. After spending 11 seasons with the Cowboys, Lawrence signed with the Seahawks as their outside linebacker in 2025.

After signing with the Seahawks on Monday, Fowler said, “We talked for like 30 minutes on FaceTime, just chopping it up, and after that I made my decision.” There was only one line that convinced Fowler to sign with the Seahawks.

Fowler repeated Lawrence’s message, saying, “If you want to win a Super Bowl, you should come here.”

Seattle's defensive coordinator, Aden Durde, was another reason why Fowler signed. Durde coached Fowler in both Atlanta and Dallas and had a good relationship with the edge rusher.

Fowler said, “Really, because of the defensive coordinator, Coach AD. Me and him have a really great relationship… He knows how to get best out of his players.”

Both Aden Durde and Lawrence have greatly influenced Fowler over the years. Lawrence earned Pro-Bowl honors in his first year in Seattle. Moreover, Fowler is already familiar with Durde’s coaching style and his ability to maximize player potential.

Fowler stated, “I’m a pass-rusher, a guy that knows how to get the quarterback, and that’s very seasoned; I’ve played this game for a very long time. It feels right. It’s really cool.”

Fowler made it clear that he knows what he is doing. He believes in Lawrence and Durde and has chosen to continue with the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks believe that Fowler can bring leadership and value to HC Mike Macdonald’s defense.

Dallas, meanwhile, faces questions about its defense after losing their seasoned edge defender.

What are your views on Fowler’s one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks? Comment!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit