New Seahawks Rumors on Dante Fowler Jr.'s Contract, Updated Salary Cap After 2026 NFL Draft

Veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is signing with the Seattle Seahawks, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.

Fowler's contract is a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, per Pelissero.

The Seahawks ranked eighth in the NFL with about $32.7 million in projected 2026 cap space prior to the deal, according to Over the Cap.

The signing won't impact the Seahawks' total of compensatory picks because it took place after the April 27 deadline. The reigning Super Bowl champions are projected by Over the Cap to receive four extra picks after losing edge rusher Boye Mafe, running back Kenneth Walker III, safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen in free agency.

Fowler hasn't sat out a regular-season game since 2021. He spent last season with the Cowboys, where he recorded 3.0 sacks, 30 pressures, 15 tackles and 10 quarterback hits in 17 games.

He finished his 10th NFL season ranked 31st in pass rushing out of 115 edge defenders graded by Pro Football Focus.

Fowler will now join a veteran Seahawks defensive line staffed by returners DeMarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu and Leonard Williams.

The signing will reunite Fowler with Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who worked with the edge rusher during a previous stint with the Cowboys.

The deal could also help the Seahawks replace Mafe, who left Seattle in free agency to sign a three-year, $60 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Seahawks will now get a veteran edge rusher on a shorter and more affordable deal, avoiding further restriction of a cap that will start to feel the pressure of Jaxon Smith-Njigba's historic $42.15 million average annual salary in 2028.

Fowler's contract could also give the Seahawks room to maneuver under the salary cap as the team decides whether to extend Sam Darnold, who is currently signed through 2027.

Should Fowler leave Seattle next offseason, Seahawks' four compensatory picks could help the franchise address the edge rusher position in the 2027 draft.

Fowler, who will turn 32 in August, was originally selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 3 pick of the 2015 draft. He missed his rookie season with a torn ACL but has gone on to record 294 tackles and 58.5 sacks over 159 career games since his 2016 debut.