Commander Country

Commanders star pass rusher among top free agents to sign

The Washington Commanders should prioritize re-signing one of their pass rushers.
Jeremy Brener|
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws against Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during the third quarter of a NFC wild card playoff at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws against Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during the third quarter of a NFC wild card playoff at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have a big decision to make this offseason in regards to leading pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr.

Fowler, 30, was named as a Pro Bowl alternate this season after recording 10.5 sacks in his first season with the Commanders.

Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox lists Fowler as one of the top free agents this offseason.

READ MORE: Washington Commanders hire grandson of Hall of Famer John Madden to coaching staff

Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) against the Philadelphia Eagles
Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Fowler due for a payday

"Commanders pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. figures to be one of the more underrated free agents this offseason. The 30-year-old could be looking for his fourth team in five years and has never spent three full seasons with a franchise," Knox writes.

"However, Fowler was extremely productive in his latest stop, finishing the 2024 season with 10.5 sacks and 20 quarterback pressures. Teams looking for a budget sack artist this offseason should have Fowler atop their lists."

Fowler won't command a ton of money on the open market, but he will likely a need a slight raise from his $3.25 million contract this season. If the Commanders are willing to pay up, he could be back in Washington next season.

READ MORE: Report says Commanders' NFC East Division rival selling minority stake in franchise

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

More Washington Commanders News

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• Could the Commanders be in play to land massive help on the offensive line in free agency?

• Commanders linked to future Hall of Fame linebacker in free agency

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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