Dallas Cowboys are bringing back a familiar face and the reunion will be even better than fans expect ahead of 2025 NFL season

The Dallas Cowboys know defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. very well. The veteran rocked the silver and navy in 2022 and 2023 before following Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders last year. 

Now, Fowler Jr. represents The Star once more. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys are signing Fowler Jr. to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, including $2 million in incentives. 

Before leaving to Washington, Fowler Jr. was a key contributor to the Cowboys defense, thriving in a limited role. But ahead of the 2025 season, he might be looking at a much larger role as the door to start alongside Micah Parsons is wide open. 

Currently, the Cowboys EDGE room sits is made up of: 

• Micah Parsons 
• Sam Williams
• Marshawn Kneeland
• Dante Fowler Jr.
• Payton Turner
• Tyrus Wheat 
• Luiji Vilain

Chances are Kneeland, Fowler Jr., and Williams will all have shot at the No. 2 job. To Fowler's advantage is the fact that he might be at an even better place than he was during his two years in Dallas. That's because in 2024, he had a career year as Quinn unleashed him in a larger role logging a 52% snap count on defense, per Pro Football Reference.

How did Dante Fowler Jr. fare with the Commanders last year? 

Dante Fowler had one of the best years of his career and got off to a great start, recording 8.5 of his 10.5 sacks through the first 10 games of the season. Then things really fell off from Weeks 11-18, as he recorded just 2.0 sacks and never established himself as a consistent run defender. 

He’s still got good burst and his athleticism is still there. He can be moved around the formation and rush with his hand in the dirt or from a two point stance. 

Consistency is the key with Fowler Jr. He’s moved around because he’s never been consistent enough to stay in one spot for his career. But he can be very useful if utilized properly.

This is one of the Cowboys' best signings yet

With a base of only $6 million, the Cowboys are getting depth they desperately needed at DE and a player who could realistically start for them if needed in 2025. It shouldn't keep Dallas from adding even more talent to the defensive line but at least for now, they've got improved depth.