5 Cowboys who definitely won't be back next season
By Jerry Trotta
3. Dante Fowler, DE
Fowler's been a key component of Dan Quinn's pass rush the last two seasons. We'd actually welcome Fowler back in 2024, but that will be easier said than done for the front office considering Quinn will likely be gone regardless if he lands a coaching job.
Fowler re-signed with Dallas last year after it was confirmed Quinn would return as defensive coordinator. With the Cowboys, Fowler played his best ball since his breakout season with the Rams in 2019 when he tallied11.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits.
Fowler played 34 of a possible 34 games and logged 10 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits to go with 72 pressures. He posted a combined 73.85 pass rush grade and in 2023 ranked fourth in the entire NFL with a 13.9% quick pressure rate (2.5 seconds or less), according to PFF.
That's great production for a rotational DE, but Dallas will have to look elsewhere -- likely Sam Williams -- to replace it next season.