Fowler says he played hurt, wants to return next year

[Risen Star]

Caught Cowboys DE Dante Fowler Jr. on his way out today, and he was honest and candid, as always.

Said this was one of his most challenging years after battling multiple injuries, including an AC joint.

“Defensively, this was probably one of my worst years. 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.”

Said he hopes to be back in Dallas:

“For sure. This is my home. I can have a really good role here. As long as I’m healthy, I’m good. It was just one of those years.”

 

[links18]

No thanks. Time to retire. Or go see if Quinn wants you back at league minimum.

 

[WillieBeamen]

Pass

 

[jujoboys]

No thank you. Failing to set the edge play after play after play has nothing to do with being injured. Constantly taking an inside rush as RBs or QBs ran to the outside of him.

 

[The Natural]

Need to pack up him and that scrub Sam Williams

 

[CT Dal Fan]

Time for the Cowboys to get heavily fined for leaving Fowler off the injury report all season.

Good job Dante.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Go back and forth to the commanders, see ya!!!! Another case of finding out AFTER the season is over!

 

[RonWashington]

Boye Mafe FA Seahawks go get him Re sign Clowney you got Ez and Houston the ex Lion

 

[CT Dal Fan]

Boye Maffe FA Seahawks go get him Re sign Clowney you got Ez and Re sign Houston the ex Lion

Houston and EZ are the only DEs currently under contract for 2026.

 

[RonWashington]

Houston and EZ are the only DEs currently under contract for 2026.

Right Re sign Clowney and go get Mafe in FA .

 

[RS12]

So the feed back to his agent sounds like very little interest elsewhere. He can go.

 

[MarcusRock]

Oh, so that's what it was. What a relief. Still not bringing you back but rooting for you!

 

[atlantacowboy]

Cheap depth. Why not? Its not as if we are stacking talent at DE.

 

[Cowfan75Lives]

Uh huh...yeah...I was hurt, we were tired, blah blah blah. See ya.

 

[GoCowboysGo]

It’s challenging for me to fault any player on this team too much.

• Flus is easily the worst coordinator in the league
• Their GM is easily the worst in the league
• Their team owner is easily the worst in the league

 

[Robster8989]

Funny, I actually think Fowler is pretty good and I'd bring him back unless there is a better option.
PFF had him 21st of 115 Edge players which is solid given his cost.
(Clowney was 18th, EZ 38th)
We have 3 open slots at Edge, with EZ and Houston the only players under contract.
I believe it's highly likely we use one of the picks here, I'd definitely look to bring Clowney back, and would consider Fowler too (barring better options).
I think Hendrikson, Mack and Bosa will be out of our price range and younger Edge options will be overpriced for what they deliver. (Ossai and Paye predicted in the 15-18 APY range for example., so Fowler at 5-6 is pretty good value IMO. As is Clowney.

 

[MarcusRock]

It’s challenging for me to fault any player on this team too much.

• Flus is easily the worst coordinator in the league
• Their GM is easily the worst in the league
• Their team owner is easily the worst in the league

I mean, you make a compelling argument.

 

[mfiggs18]

I completely forgot he was even on the team

 

[Kingofholland]

Clowney is a more complete player and should prioritize him, however the Cowboys have 2 des/edge players under contract next year so they absolutely need veteran guys to fill out the roster. They should see what players like Hendrickson, Mack, and Bosa are seeking, but on a small deal there's probably worse ideas than bringing Fowler back if you understand he's probably mostly a pass rusher with limitations on early downs and short yardage.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

Fowler might be worth bringing back as a depth piece.

If he really was hurt, add that to the Eberflus stink and that explains his poor season. At the same time, 2026 would be his 12th NFL season; and Clowney's 13th. That's an old DE room.