A move that was expected has become official as the Dallas Cowboys will be replacing one of the team’s key defenders from last season. Dante Fowler Jr. has agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
It had been expected that the Cowboys were not eager to re-sign Fowler as the team turned to other players under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. The move reunites Fowler with former Cowboys assistant Aden Durde on the Seahawks.
“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.”
Fowler played in all 17 games during the 2025 season, including 11 starts, for Dallas. The veteran posted just three sacks and 15 tackles during this stretch.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Cowboys news.
Seahawks Pass Rusher Dante Fowler Jr. on Cowboys Performance: ‘Defensively, It Sucked’
Fowler was not pleased with his performance in Big D during the 2025 season. The veteran still earned a respectable 77.6 grade from Pro Football Focus for 2025.
“Defensively, this was probably one of my worst years,” Fowler told Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris during a January 5, media session. “I was beat up a lot, so I got to go back to the drawing board.
“I’ll get my agent and my dad, see some doctors and get my body back right … I tried to make the most out of what I got, but defensively, it sucked. Not going to lie.”
Dante Fowler Jr. Was Open to Re-Signing With the Cowboys
Despite his struggles, Fowler appeared open to a Cowboys reunion. Yet, the feeling may not have been mutual as the franchise transitions to a new defensive system under Parker.
“For sure (a potential return to the Cowboys). This is my home,” Fowler added. “I can have a really good role here. As long as I’m healthy, I’m good. It was just one of those years.”
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones After the NFL Draft: ‘We’ve Changed This Defense’
The Cowboys leaned heavily on the NFL draft to retool the team’s defense, beginning with their first-round picks safety Caleb Downs and pass rusher Malachi Lawrence. Owner Jerry Jones is optimistic that the draft helped change the struggling unit ahead of next season.
“We’ve changed this defense,” Jones explained following the NFL draft, per Fox Sports. “And if it were just last year, the way we played on defense, then that might not have called for this.
“… What you’re seeing going on right now is a product of three or four or five years or maybe more that we just haven’t been able to ultimately get where we’re trying to go and be a contender. It’s going to be different, it’s going to be fresh.”
Time will tell as the Cowboys begin mandatory minicamp on June 16. The NFL has yet to announce the 2026 schedule.
Cowboys Dealt Unfortunate News as Starter Cuts Ties With Team for Super Bowl Contender