More than two months after NFL free agency started, the Seattle Seahawks are making a late addition. The Seahawks agreed to terms with former top-three draft pick Dante Fowler Jr., per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“Veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is signing with the Seahawks on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, per sources,” Pelissero detailed in a May 5, 2026, message on X.
“The No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 draft, Fowler is now entering his 12th NFL season. Deal negotiated by Sean Kiernan and Tom Povinelli of @AthletesFirst.”
The move gives the Seahawks some added pass rush depth as Fowler is expected to be part of the team’s rotation this upcoming season. Ahead of the signing, there had been growing rumors about a potential move given veteran signings no longer count against potential compensatory picks for the 2027 NFL draft.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Seahawks news and rumors.
New Seahawks Pass Rusher Dante Fowler Jr. Was the No. 3 Pick in the 2015 NFL Draft
Following a standout college football career at Florida, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Fowler with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Most recently, Fowler played all 17 games for the Dallas Cowboys, including 11 starts, in 2025.
Fowler has played in 159 games over his career, including 58 starts. The veteran pass rusher is just one season removed from posting 10.5 sacks, 39 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and an interception for the Washington Commanders.
Seahawks News: Seattle Signed Ex-Cowboys DE Dante Fowler Jr. to a $5 Million Contract
Fowler visited Seattle prior to the draft, but the Seahawks opted to wait until weeks later to make the move. The Seahawks signed Fowler to a team-friendly, one-year contract worth up to $5 million, per Pelissero.
Fowler played on a one-year, $6 million deal with the Cowboys in 2026. The move reunites Fowler with former Cowboys assistant Aden Durde.
According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, the Seahawks plan to utilize Fowler to help replace Boye Mafe, who joined the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency.
“Of the players the Seahawks lost in free agency, Boye Mafe was the one they had yet to replace,” Henderson detailed in a May 5, message on X. “Enter Fowler, who has ties to DC Aden Durde after playing for him in Dallas and Atlanta.
“Seattle didn’t have to force a draft pick at this spot with Fowler as a strong veteran option.”
The Seahawks Plan to Utilize Dante Fowler Jr. to Help Replace Boye Mafe
There are reasons to think Fowler still has something left in the tank. Seahawks analyst Brian Nemhauser outlined why Fowler was a preferable option over some of the other available veteran pass rushers.
“There’s the edge addition,” Nemhauser explained in a May 5, message on X. “Fowler had a higher pass rush win rate than any Seahawks edge last year, and higher than Von Miller, Cam Jordan, and other vet edges on the market. Aden Durde strikes again.”
The Seahawks begin mandatory minicamp on June 9. Seattle will open the season at Lumen Field on Wednesday, September 9.
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