The Dallas Cowboys lost one of the key pieces to their defense this offseason when the negotiations with Randy Gregory went south. To combat that defection, the Cowboys sought out to find a veteran defensive end to replace Gregory.
That search led the Cowboys to DE Dante Fowler, whom the team signed to a one-year, $3 million deal. Drafted third overall in the 2015 NFL draft, Fowler has had an up and down career, but does have an 11.5 sack season to his name.
It’s a typical type of signing the Cowboys have been famous for in recent years. The team likes to add highly drafted veterans, who have had trouble being consistent through the course of their careers, to short deals in hopes of getting the most out of them.
As mush as the Cowboys needed a veteran pass rusher, Fowler also preferred Dallas as a destination. On the first day of voluntary workouts, Fowler spoke about why he chose the Cowboys, which included an opportunity to win a Super Bowl.
The appeal of the Cowboys is often a draw to free agents. The team is always on the big stage and a good season can lead to a bigger pay day.
There is also the allure of playing for one of the glamour franchises in the NFL, but the truth is the Cowboys haven’t come close to the Super Bowl in the last 25 years. Perhaps Fowler believes he can be part of the reason for finally getting over the hump.
And it isn’t farfetched to say the Cowboys can compete for a title. The team is coming off a 12-5 season in which they were considered strong contenders for the first half of the campaign before faltering late in the year.
Another reason Fowler signed with the Cowboys is because of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Fowler played under Quinn when he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons during the 2020 season. Despite having just three sacks that year, Quinn made enough of an impression on Fowler that the DE wanted to be reunited with his former coach.
The same can be said of Quinn, who had to have vouched for Fowler. It’s hard…