The Atlanta Falcons are signing former Los Angeles Rams pass-rusher Dante Fowler to a three-year, $48 million contract. The intent to sign was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network while the details of the contract were first mentioned by ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
Facing a restrictive salary cap situation heading into the offseason, the Falcons had to allow Austin Hooper depart in free agency. In addition, they had to release veteran players like Desmond Trufant and Devonta Freeman. That cap space enabled them to sign Fowler.
The Rams will need to find a way to replace Fowler’s impact as he was a critical element of their pass rush. He was originally acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in a trade in 2018 and has rapidly amplified his impact ever since.
It’s clear that playing alongside a superstar like Aaron Donald has brought the best out of Fowler. However, it’s fair to question whether he can continue to make such an impact no longer playing with him. The Falcons will need him to achieve similar results as a focal point of their defense.
There is already established familiarity between Fowler and the Falcons coaching staff. He played under head coach Dan Quinn when they were both still at the University of Florida. Of course, that wasn’t at the NFL level, but it still helps, nevertheless.
Dante Fowler is coming off an impressive 2019 campaign that featured totals of 11.5 sacks, 58 tackles (16 for loss), and six pass breakups. At the age of 25, he still has time to improve his skill-set. Now, the focus will be on proving he’s a foundational talent as many thought he could be when the Jaguars picked him with the No. 3 selection.
