Seattle bolsters its defensive rotation by targeting the former first-round pick, bringing veteran experience and double-digit sack potential to an edge rushing unit hungry for depth.
The Seattle Seahawks are not finished adding to their defensive front as the offseason continues, with a veteran pass rusher now newly in tow.
We knew previously that veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. was "expected" to sign with Seattle. And that is a move that is now happening, per NFL Network ... and it would definitely fill a need that the reigning Super Bowl champs have.
Fowler, a former No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has put together a productive career as an edge rusher. Across multiple teams - most recently in 2025 with the Dallas Cowboys - he has recorded just under 60 sacks, along with dozens of quarterback hits and tackles for loss. While he is no longer viewed as a top-tier pass rusher, his ability to contribute in a rotational role remains valuable.
Fowler visited Seattle earlier this offseason, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate where he is physically and how he might fit into the defensive scheme.
That visit suggested there was legitimate interest.
From a roster standpoint, the addition makes sense. The Seahawks did not prioritize the edge rusher position during the draft, leaving room for a veteran to step in and compete for snaps.
And with Boye Mafe leaving in free agency, there will be plenty of snaps to be had.
Seattle will not be relying on Fowler to carry the defense, but rather to strengthen the rotation. Adding another experienced option should help balance the workload across the defensive line and provide insurance in case of injuries.
Fowler may be 31 years old with the prime of his career behind him, but he is just one season removed from 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. That shows that he absolutely has some left in the tank.
This gives the Seahawks a low-risk addition with a clearly defined role. Over the course of a long NFL season, that kind of depth can make a difference, especially for a defense looking to help their team defend the Vince Lombardi Trophy.