Atlanta Falcons News: Team agrees to deal with Dante Fowler
The Atlanta Falcons need to address pass rush this offseason whether it be free agency or the draft and it looks like they are doing so in a big way in free agency.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Falcons are likely to land Dante Fowler, the former number one pick when players are allowed to meet with players and administer physicals. This should not be shocking given Fowler said he wanted to come to play for Dan Quinn, but because of other variables, most of us are shocked that this need was addressed.
According to Rapoport, the Falcons will give him a three-year deal as Fowler opted to leave LA and come to Atlanta in order to reunite with Quinn, his one-time college coach.
#Rams free agent pass-rusher Dante Fowler is expected to sign with the #Falcons, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. A high-end pass-rusher lands in Atlanta. Coach Dan Quinn actually coached Fowler while at Florida.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
Easy to say this is the Falcons best free-agent signing since they signed Alex Mack away from the Browns before the start of the 2016 NFL season. Fowler is one of the premier pass rushers on the market and for the Falcons to snag him speaks volumes about the high regard players have for Dan Quinn.
Dante Fowler is entering his sixth year in the league after being drafted in 2015 by the Jaguars with the third overall pick. The 25-year-old missed his rookie season with a torn ACL and then was traded in October of 2018 to the Rams for a couple of picks.
The #Falcons are giving pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr a 3-year deal, source said. The #Rams tried to keep him, but he opts for Atlanta.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
During his four years, Fowler has accumulated 27.5 sacks, 34 tackles for loss and 16 QB hits. He adds an element to the Falcons pass rush that they do not currently have. Adding him to the likes of Grady Jarrett, Tyeler Davison, and Takk McKinley should give Atlanta one of the best front four in football for 2020.
Next. Falcons need a pass rush more than ever. dark
Despite being in perceived cap hell, the Atlanta Falcons have made several nice moves this week and are starting to fill holes that have heading into the April draft. If the Falcons continue to address needs, this team could be back in playoff contention sooner than later.