Seahawks Poach 58.5-Sack Pass-Rusher From the Cowboys

The Seattle Seahawks were one of the best teams at rushing the passer last season.

Behing the production of linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (seven sacks), and defensive tackles Leonard Murphy and Byron Murphy II (sevens acks each), Seattle tied for the seventh-most sacks (47) in the league, along with 466 pressures, 326 hurries, and 73 QB hits, per Pro Football Focus.

And after the free-agent signing on Tuesday, the Seahawks' pass-rush will be even more formidable next season.

"Veteran edge-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is signing with the Seahawks on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, per sources," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero posted on X. "The No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 draft, Fowler is now entering his 12th NFL season."

Over his 10-year career, Fowler Jr. hasn't quite lived up to the billing of being the No. 3 overall pick in 2015, but he's been productive (58.5 sacks15 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries). He posted a career-high 11.5 sacks with the Los Angeles Rams back in 2019, and he's one year removed from a 10.5-sack season with the Washington Commanders.

In his second stint with the Dallas Cowboys last year, Fowler Jr. played sparingly. He totaled just 30 pressures, 20 hurries, seven QB hits, and three sacks, according to PFF.

Seattle had the No. 6-ranked defense last season - one that carried the team through the playoffs to a Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots. The team allowed 15.3 points per game in the postseason.

With the team's offseason additions, which include TCU safety Bud Clark (Round 2), Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal (Round 3), Toledo CB Andre Fuller, Minnesota defensive tackle Deven Eastern, and Arizona CB Michael Dansby (Round 7) plus free-agent signings - Fowler Jr., cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, and safeties D'Anthony Bell and Rodney Thomas - Seattle just may have the makings of the NFL's top-ranked defense in 2026.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 11:27 AM.