Tag: Dante Fowler

2 free agent successes provide affordable blueprint for Cowboys in 2025

The Cowboys have a winning strategy when it comes to building their DL rotations, finds @ReidDHanson.

The Dallas Cowboys have many questionable processes when team building. They shy away from top commodities in free agency. They draft high-risk players who bring an abnormal degree of projection. They push veterans out the door without clear replacements in place and they drag their feet with their own fairly obvious contract extensions. As one might imagine, those don’t always turn out so well for the Cowboys franchise.

But one of Dallas’ oft-critiqued processes has been working out for them as of late. Waiting for the market to cool and targeting veteran defensive linemen to team-friendly deals has been a trademark move the Cowboys. They did it with Dante Fowler in 2022 and they did it again with Carl Lawson in 2024.

In both instances they received quality snaps from a player who cost them relatively very little. Going this route in roster building doesn’t typically provide elite results but it does offer tremendous bang for the buck. It’s allowed the Cowboys to maintain a healthy rotation on their defensive line and use the money saved at defensive end on other areas of the team where veteran bargains aren’t so easily found.

In 2025 the Cowboys will likely try to get Lawson to come back for a second season. He’s coming off a five-sack year while contributing 401 snaps on defense. A similar role can be expected under Matt Eberflus if Lawson is willing to accept similar short-term deal with a modest bump from his $1,125,000 rate (per OTC).

If Lawson doesn’t come back to Dallas, the Cowboys have options to look at in free agency again this season.

Matthew Judon, 32, is coming off a tumultuous season. Pro Football Focus estimates his value to be a one year, $4,500,000 deal this offseason. If the Cowboys play it patiently, he may come cheaper.

Arizona’s underrated DE, Dennis Gardeck, is coming off an early 2024 ACL injury. At 30-years-old he may not strike up very much interest around the league and could possibly be had for half the cost of Judon.

Even interior defensive linemen like Teair Tart and Poona Ford could be had for a song this offseason. Tart comes with baggage, but he finished last season as the 12th-highest graded DT and is predicted to cost just $2,500,000 in free agency. Ford is predicted to demand just $3,500,000 and he’s coming off a season where he graded as the fifth best DT.

It’s important the Cowboys invest properly in their frontline starters but rotations at key positions can be built with low-demand veterans who slip through the cracks. Dallas has a track record of success in this area and while the wait may be painful, patience has repeatedly paid off for the Cowboys.

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Would Browns star Myles Garrett be interested in Commanders? ‘Absolutely’

Myles Garrett weighs in on the possibility of playing for the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders were immediately linked to Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett this week when he announced a request to be traded.

Every analyst names the Commanders as the top match for Garrett because they need a dominant edge rusher, have an abundance of cap space,, and have star quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Even the betting odds believe Washington could be Garrett’s next destination.

But what does Garrett think?

The NFL world convened in New Orleans this week, and players from around the league made the media rounds. Garrett is one of those players, and people are interested in what the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year will do next.

Mina Kimes of ESPN asked Garrett if playing with Daniels and the Commanders would appeal to him.

“Absolutely,” Garrett responded. “I mean, he looked great. I mean, he looked great when we played them. But, he really showed his behind when he was in the playoffs. And, you know, he’s really done it and been very composed, you know, throughout the entire season, and he can only continue to flourish and, you know, keep his head down and continue to work.”

Kimes wasn’t the only show to ask Garrett about the Commanders.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Garrett was asked point blank if he would like to go to the Commanders. Garrett, perhaps a bit surprised by the question, initially laughed before breaking down what Washington needs.

“I think they need a pass rusher,” Garrett said of the Commanders. “I think that’s something that they dearly missed. They’re in the playoffs and some of the big games, and I feel like I can fill that role.”

Garrett is right. Washington needs a pass rusher. Dante Fowler Jr. led the Commanders with 10.5 sacks in a part-time role last season. Washington would like to bring Fowler back in that same type of role, but it desperately needs an impact, game-changing defensive player and Garrett remains one of the best, if not the best, defensive player in the NFL.

Will the Browns trade Garrett? If so, you can expect the Commanders to be very interested. And, from the sound of it, that interest goes both ways.

Wasted Free Agency: Cowboys projected to have just 5th-most comp pick value in 2025

The Cowboys saved cap space and money, but they basically traded away their exiting 2024 free agency class for Jonathan Mingo. It probably wasn’t a coincidence. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Dallas Cowboys let a lot of talent walk out the door in 2024. Not only dd defensive coordinator Dan Quinn leave to become the head coach of the Washington Commanders, but the team lost significant free agents as well.

Dallas didn’t try to replace them with much either, meaning that they will likely receive the maximum number of compensatory picks in April’s draft. But just because they maxed out on picks, doesn’t mean they made the right decision. Dallas didn’t seem to get a ton of value, compared to the holes that were left on their roster.

In exchange for allowing OT Tyron Smith, DE Dorance Armstrong, DE Dante Fowler, center Tyler Biadasz and RB Tony Pollard walk in free agency, OverTheCap is predicting Dallas will receive four compensatory draft picks in 2025.

And while Dallas is tied with Baltimore for the most projected picks, they only rank fifth among 14 teams in terms of comp pick value. They are set to receive just three fifth-round picks and one sixth-round pick.

Those picks, projected to be No. 171, No. 173, No. 175 and No. 212, total 73.2 points on the trade value chart.

That’s less than half the value of league-leading Miami (147), and trailing Minnesota (112), Baltimore (83.5) and San Francisco (73.5).

73.2 is almost the exact value of the Cowboys’ missing fourth rounder, sent to Carolina in exchange for WR Jonathan Mingo. Pick No. 112 is worth 70 points on the value chart.

Comp picks are awarded based on a formula centered around how many qualifying free agents a team loses, cancelled by ones they sign, and adjusted for contract value. The Cowboys, like the Ravens, pay special attention to their comp-pick ledger each season, so it’s more than likely they knew what the value of their incoming picks would look like when they traded for Mingo.

Commanders DE Dorance Armstrong weighs in on Cowboys’ struggles

What does Commanders DE — and former Dallas Cowboy — Dorance Armstrong think of his former team’s struggles?

Defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. A fourth-round pick from Kansas in the 2018 NFL draft, Armstrong played his final three seasons in Dallas for Dan Quinn.

When Quinn departed Dallas to take the head coaching position with the Washington Commanders, Armstrong saw an opportunity and followed him. It’s been a good move for Quinn and Armstrong. Washington is 7-4, led the NFC East for much of the season, and remains firmly in the playoff mix.

This Sunday, Armstrong faces his former team for the first time. Things aren’t going so well in Dallas, as the Cowboys hold a 3-7 record and have lost five consecutive games.

What does Armstrong think about seeing the Cowboys from the other side?

“Obviously, when you play the team you came from, you have a more…..more urgency or something, I don’t know what it is about that, but that’s what it is right now for me,” Armstrong said.

With so many former Cowboys on Washington’s current roster, including Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., Tyler Biadasz and Noah Brown, they see the Cowboys’ current struggles.

So, has Armstrong paid attention to Dallas’ current struggles?

“Me, personally, yeah, I watch here and there,” Armstrong said. “Most of them are still my guys, for real, but I watch ’em; I see what’s going on.”

Armstrong was then asked what his thoughts were on the 2024 Cowboys.

“It’s not good, I’ll just say that,” Armstrong said with a smile.

Dallas allowed several players to depart in the offseason, some of whom followed Quinn to Washington. Each of those former Cowboys has played a pivotal role in the Commanders’ impressive turnaround.

 

Commanders receive positive injury news ahead of Week 12

The Commanders could get some defensive help back in time for Week 12.

The Washington Commanders could receive some pass-rush help ahead of their Week 12 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

On Wednesday, Washington opened the 21-day practice window for rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Jean-Baptiste was placed on injured reserve after the Week 6 game at Baltimore and missed the last five games. Before his ankle injury, Jean-Baptiste had played in every game, recording 14 tackles, including one for loss, one sack, four pressures, and two QB hits. Jean-Baptiste did this in a part-time role, playing in 36% of Washington’s defensive snaps.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Baptiste showed promise throughout the summer and early this season, giving the Commanders positive contributions from the bench.

The 21-day practice window means Washington has 21 days to either activate Jean-Baptiste to the 53-man roster or place him on season-ending IR.

Dante Fowler Jr. leads Washington with 8.5 sacks, with linebacker Frankie Luvu right behind with seven. Dorance Armstrong is next with three sacks.

Jean-Baptiste participated fully in Wednesday’s practice, which is a positive sign that he’ll be activated in time for Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. The Commanders will need to make a roster move to accommodate Jean-Baptiste.

Quick facts from Commanders’ Week 11 loss to Eagles

Some quick numbers and facts from the Commanders’ loss to Eagles.

The Commanders led going into the final quarter and then were totally outplayed in the last 15 minutes, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles 26-18.

Here are some of the quick facts from the fourth loss of the Commanders’ season:

  • The most basic fact is that the Commanders were outscored 20-8 in the final quarter. What’s more, they have been outscored 39-11 in the final quarter in the last three games.
  • For the first time this season, the Commanders have lost two consecutive games.
  • When Jayden Daniels threw an interception in the fourth quarter, it was the first Commanders’ turnover in their last six games.
  • Speaking of six games, the Eagles have now won six straight.
  • The Commanders gave up 228 rushing yards on 40 carries by the Eagles, including 146 yards in 26 carries by Saquon Barkley.
  • The Commanders were out-gained by the Eagles 434 to 264, averaging 4.2 per play to 6.2 for the Eagles.
  • The Commanders were only 3-12 on third downs.
  • The Commanders’ ground game was beaten badly by the Eagles 228-93 yards.
  • Terry McLaurin was shut down tonight, not receiving his first target/reception until 10:27 in the final quarter, with one 10-yard reception.
  • The Commanders’ defense held the Eagles out of the end zone in the first half. This was only the second game this season in which the Eagles have not scored a first-half touchdown.
  • With tonight’s 146 rushing yards, Saquon Barkley now has six games this season where he has rushed for 100+ yards.
  • The Eagles entered the game with 19 sacks during their five-game winning streak, and they added three more tonight.
  • Dante Fowler came into the game with 8.5 sacks this season and eight in the last six games. He did not record a tackle or assist Thursday.
  • Austin Ekeler and Zach Ertz led the Commanders in receiving yards with 89 and 47 yards, respectively.
  • It was exactly two years ago tonight that the Commanders went to Lincoln Financial Field and upset the 8-0 Eagles 32-21 on Monday Night Football.
  • With his reception, Terry McLaurin became the sixth player in Washington NFL franchise history with 6,000 receiving yards, joining Art Monk, Charley Taylor, Gary Clark, Santana Moss, and Bobby Mitchell.
  • The Eagles entered the game as a 4.5-point favorite, and with the win tonight, they have now defeated Washington six of the last seven times the two teams have faced each other.
  • Tonight’s game was Zach Ertz’s first game in Philadelphia since being traded by the Eagles to the Cardinals in October 2021.

Commanders vs. Giants Player of the Game: OLB Dante Fowler Jr.

Dante Fowler Jr. is the Commanders’ Week 9 Player of the Game.

The Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants 27-22 Sunday from MetLife Stadium. With the win, Washington improved to 7-2 and remained first in the NFC East.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was outstanding again, completing 15 of 22 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Washington also received contributions from Terry McLaurin (two touchdowns), Noah Brown (five receptions, 60 yards), and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (52 rushing yards). Still, none come away with Week 9 Player of the Game honors.

Washington’s Week 9 Player of the Game is veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. Fowler recorded six tackles, including two for loss, two sacks, two quarterback hits and one forced fumble. Fowler’s sack and forced fumble on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones helped lead to Washington’s first touchdown — a lead the Commanders never relinquished.

Fowler was active throughout the game and now has 6.5 sacks on the season, putting him on pace to break his personal best of 11.5 sacks, set back in 2019. Fowler, a 10-year veteran, leads the Commanders in sacks and now has more sacks than the two defensive ends Washington traded — Montez Sweat and Chase Young — combined.

Fowler and the Commanders face the Pittsburgh Steelers next week.

 

WATCH: Commanders LB Dante Fowler Jr. with a pick-6

Commanders LB Dante Fowler returns an interception for a touchdown in Week 7.

Who scored the first points in the Week 7 matchup between the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers?

You’d be correct if you said linebacker/defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.

That’s right, the veteran edge rusher, in his first season with Washington, intercepted Carolina quarterback Andy Dalton on the opening possession and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown.  It was Fowler’s third-career touchdown, but the first interception he returned for a score. Fowler has had two previous fumble recoveries, which he returned for touchdowns.

Here’s the play:

Fowler’s interception return for a touchdown was a preview for what was to come for the Commanders, who led the Panthers 27-0 at halftime. Unfortunately, Washington lost rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in the first half with a rib injury and was ruled out for the game.

In some good news, Daniels’ mother revealed that the rookie quarterback was fine on X.

Quick facts from Commanders’ 34-13 win over Browns

Several facts and stats from Commanders’ 34-13 win vs. Browns.

Here are several of today’s quick facts regarding the Commanders 34-13 win over the Cleveland Browns in Landover.

  • The Commanders won their fourth consecutive game Sunday, after losing the season opener. The last time Washington won four straight was in 2021, when Washington was 2-6, won four straight to go to 6-6.
  • With the win, the Commanders are 4-1 for the first time since the 2008 season. But that team fell apart, finishing 8-8.
  • No. 17 Terry McLaurin caught four passes for 112 yards today. It was the 17th game McLaurin has totaled at least 100 receiving yards.
  • With another rushing touchdown today, RB Jeremy McNichols has scored in consecutive games for the first time in his career.
  • With three touchdowns rushing today, Washington has now registered three rushing touchdowns in three consecutive games for the first time in franchise history.
  • The Commanders’ defense held the Browns to 1-13 on third downs, while the Commanders were 8-17 on third downs.
  • Washington accumulated 434 total offensive yards, while the Browns only managed 212. The Commanders averaged 6.7 yards a play while limiting the Browns to 3.6 yards a play.
  • The Commanders are reporting that today QB Jayden Daniels has become the first player in NFL history to have had 1,000+ passing yards and 250+ rushing yards in their first five career games.
  • Scoring 34 points on Sunday, Washington has now scored 30+ points in three consecutive games for the eighth time in franchise history and the first time since 2005.
  • Terry McLaurin reached 400 NFL career receptions. McLaurin, Gary Clark and Satana Moss are the only receivers in franchise history to record 400+ receptions in their first 6 seasons with Washington.
  • Frankie Luvu had 7 tackles (4 solo) a fumble recovery, 2.5 sacks as the Commanders totaled 7 QB sacks. Others who had one were Bobby Wagner (1.5), while Jonathan Allen, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler each had one.

Can Carl Lawson fill the old Dante Fowler role on the Cowboys defense?

Carl Lawson may fit neatly into Dante Fowler’s vacated role as pass rushing specialist. | From @ReidDHanson

When Dante Fowler left Dallas in free agency, it was seen as a blessing in disguise to many. It wasn’t because Fowler was a poor player or poor teammate in the locker room – quite the contrary – it’s just Fowler was a bit of a progress stopper to various young and ascending pass rushers on the Cowboys. His opportunities were opportunities that could be going elsewhere.

In 2023 for example, Fowler only played 65 snaps on running downs. 206 of his 275 snaps were in pass rushing situations. While other players were grinding out the season taking whatever snaps they could get, Fowler was getting the golden opportunities where he could pin his ears back and go hunting quarterbacks. He performed fine in this role tallying four sacks and 12 pressures, but it was hard not to wonder what someone like Sam Williams could do with those same golden opportunities.

For a brief moment it appeared Cowboys fans would finally get a chance to see that happen, until of course Williams was lost to a season-ending knee injury early in training camp. To compensate for the loss the Cowboys signed veteran pass rusher Carl Lawson. Now, instead of a young ascending player taking over Fowler’s glamorous role as pass-rushing specialist, the Cowboys potentially have Lawson on roster to take on coveted assignment.

Lawson certainly looks the part.

Strength and conditioning have never been his problem. At age 29 he’s one of the most technically sound and physically fit edge players in the league. Finally healthy after a nightmarish 2023 campaign, he’s looking to make a big impact in 2024 for the Cowboys. If he acquires Fowler’s premium opportunities, there’s no reason to think he can’t bounce back here late in his career and duplicate Fowler’s numbers from last season.

The trickledown effect is significant. It will allow the Cowboys to use the rookie Marshawn Kneeland to his strengths rather than to cover the defense’s weaknesses. Kneeland is an extremely well-rounded player but he is unpolished as a pass rusher. He can be used in obvious passing situations, he’s just not the ideal solution.

Chauncey Golston is another player who can factor into the mix at defensive end. The fourth-year player has split time between defensive tackle and edge throughout his career. He’s not much of a pass-rusher but can play the run as well as anyone from an edge position.

Lawson taking Fowler’s old role as pass rushing specialist might just work to everyone’s strengths. The question is, is he up to the task?

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