Veteran pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is reportedly set to join Seattle's defensive front, bolstering their rotation with proven production.
The Seattle Seahawks may not be finished adding to their defensive front as the offseason continues, with a veteran pass rusher now firmly on the radar.
In a recent post on X by Emerald Spectrum's Corbin Smith, he reported that veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is "expected" to sign with Seattle. And that is a move that 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, 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.
There has already been direct contact between the two sides. 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 is legitimate interest, even if a deal has not yet been finalized.
From a roster standpoint, the potential 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 would not be relying on him to carry the defense, but rather to strengthen the rotation. Adding another experienced option could 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.
If the move comes together after the compensatory pick deadline, it would give 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.