The Washington Commanders made some slight tweaks to their pass-rushing options this offseason. Most fans don't believe Adam Peters did enough, but the general manager's earned enough trust so far for supporters to let things play out.
That's not an opinion shared by one NFL analyst, who believes the Commanders could end up missing their best sack producer last season more than they think in 2025.
Dante Fowler Jr. linked up with Dan Quinn in Washington last season. The pair developed a close relationship from two previous stops, which smoothed the transition. While the veteran offered almost nothing from a run-stopping perspective, his 10.5 sacks comfortably led the team. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough for an extended stay.
Fowler felt aggrieved by the way his contract situation was handled by Peters. He wasn't going to wait around, signing a one-year, $6 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys that included a $3 million signing bonus and $5 million guaranteed. This sees the former first-round pick go from hero to villain in the blink of an eye, where Washington is concerned.
Analyst believes Commanders will miss Dante Fowler Jr. more than they think
Nick Shook from NFL.com believes Fowler's departure from the Commanders will be sorely felt. The analyst thought this would bear more significance if Dorance Armstrong Jr. could not raise his performance levels accordingly.
[Dante] Fowler was a tremendous value last season, racking up a team-high 10.5 sacks for Dan Quinn’s defense while playing on a one-year deal for less than $5 million. Fowler was due for a raise and received one from the Cowboys this offseason, while Washington is hoping Dorance Armstrong can step up in his second year with the team after signing a three-year, $33 million deal last offseason. If Armstrong can produce like Fowler did, the change won’t matter much, but Armstrong has never cracked double-digit sacks in his seven-year career.Nick Shook
Peters wanted to find players capable of stopping the run effectively this offseason. The Commanders were found wanting in this area, ranking among the league's worst in most run-defense categories. For all of Fowler's qualities, he didn't fit into this strategy.
Fowler won't be lacking motivation in 2025. He'll be eager to make the Commanders pay for their lack of conviction. Washington had every right to move on from the player; the questions surround whether Peters did enough to replace him.
The jury is still out on that. The Commanders have enough spare cash to find more from the veteran pool if needed, but it won't take long for doubts to rise if Washington can't generate pressure consistently and Fowler thrives in Dallas.
Time will tell on both fronts.
