Is Falcons cutting OLB Dante Fowler good news for the Cowboys?

On Wednesday, it was reported that OLB Dante Fowler was being released by the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran pass rusher was set to be a free agent in March thanks to a void year in his contract, but the team cut him before free agency even began. Fowler initially signed a three-year deal with the Falcons in 2020, but the defender agreed to reduce his salary in 2021 with hopes of earning more in incentives in future years.

Instead of figuring that out, Atlanta cut him.

The Falcons picked up Fowler after a very productive year with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. In two years in Atlanta, the pass rusher played in 19 games and amassed 7.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, and four forced fumbles. This wasn’t the production that the Falcons expected out of him given his 11.5-sack 2019 season.

In a previous article, we listed some free agents that have ties to Dan Quinn who may want to follow the defensive coordinator to the Dallas Cowboys. Fowler was one of them. Quinn was the head coach of the Falcons in 2020 for Fowler’s first year on the roster. While Fowler didn’t have a great year, he was on a defensive unit that struggled as a whole. However, he could definitely be a player who can come to a strong Dallas defense, learn from Quinn, and have a turnaround year in 2022.

After being cut by the Atlanta Falcons, could the Dallas Cowboys be the next stop for Dante Fowler?

Although this wasn’t his best season, Fowler did still lead Atlanta in sacks and sack yards and was second in tackles for loss.

With names like Randy Gregory, Dorance Armstrong, Leighton Vander Esch, and more all on the Cowboys’ free-agent list, it is very possible that Dallas could be losing some of their key defenders. Fowler could be a great addition to the defense, and he already has a relationship with Quinn — and recent pedigree of stardom.

Additionally, especially now that he was cut by a team, Fowler will likely come with a cheaper price tag than other linebackers in free agency. The former third overall pick is likely looking to have a comeback year and Dallas may be the right place to do it. Quinn’s connection may help Fowler be more inclined to come to America’s Team over other organizations.