The Seattle Seahawks have filled their biggest defensive hole. By signing veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. to a one‑year deal worth up to $5 million, the Super Bowl champions addressed their last remaining roster need heading into the 2026 season. Yankee Scores reports.
Seattle lost Boye Mafe in free agency and didn’t draft an edge rusher despite eight selections.
Fowler made a free agent visit with Seattle before the draft. After the draft, free agent signings no longer counted against their new team’s formula for compensatory picks in 2027.
The Seahawks who had one of the youngest NFL rosters last season, will now boast of five players who are 29 or older: Fowler, DeMarcus Lawrence (34), Uchenna Nwosu (29), Jarran Reed (33), and Leonard Williams (31) in a veteran‑heavy front.
Fowler’s Career Track
Drafted third overall by Jacksonville in 2015, Fowler has recorded 58.5 sacks over 10 seasons. His best years came with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 (11.5 sacks) and the Washington Commanders in 2024 (10.5 sacks).
Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, the team he played for in 2022 and 2023 he started 11 games but finished with just three sacks, his lowest total since 2020. Still, he produced 39 pressures and three pass breakups.
Familiar Coaching Connection
Seattle defensive coordinator Aden Durde knows Fowler well, having coached him in Dallas and Atlanta. That familiarity could help Fowler settle quickly into the Seahawks’ rotation.
Despite reduced snaps last year, Fowler has not missed a game since 2021, showing durability that Seattle values. Over 159 career games, 74 tackles for loss, 97 quarterback hits and 15 forced fumbles.
