The Dallas Cowboys have rebuilt much of their defense during the 2026 offseason, but it’s not quite done. Christian Parker could use a designated edge-rush veteran to beef up the pass rush, and one of the top options just signed somewhere else.
Pass rusher Dante Fowler agreed to a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks worth up to $5 million, giving the Cowboys one fewer player to help get after the quarterback. Fowler had two stints in Dallas, including last year, where he had three sacks and 10 QB hits.
Dante Fowler Jr. is signing with the Seahawks on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/ymE12jx48a
— NFL (@NFL) May 5, 2026
That production came off the heels of a 10.5 sack campaign under Dan Quinn while playing with the Washington Commanders in 2024. Fowler was the highest priced free agent signed by the Cowboys during the 2025 offseason, but he couldn’t replicate the pressure under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Fowler’s a journeyman who’s made over $74 million across his career, playing for five teams since being the third overall pick in the 2015 draft. He’s totaled 58.5 career sacks. The 31-year-old pass rusher has two double-digit sacks seasons on his ledger and had 13 sacks combined during his three years in Dallas.
He’s had an up and down career, but Fowler was a decent option as one of the best remaining designated pass rushers still on the market. Instead of coming back to the Cowboys for a fourth season, Fowler now heads to Seattle to reunite with his former line coach and current Seahawks DC Aden Durde, along with former Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.
The remaining veteran edge rush options now include Joey Bosa, Cameron Jordan, Haason Reddick, and Von Miller, along with last year’s sack leader in Jadeveon Clowney.
It’s worth noting the Cowboys and Parker could be content with the younger pass rushers they’ve already got in-house. The 2026 offseason and the draft did bring some new talent, so there isn’t reason to panic.
However, if the Cowboys did want a veteran designated edge presence, there’s one fewer option.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: DE Dante Fowler leaves Cowboys fold to join world-champion Seahawks