Offseason Outlook: Dante Fowler Jr. set to enter free agency for the second time in as many years

[CGI_Ram]

Offseason Outlook: Dante Fowler Jr. set to enter free agency for the second time in as many years

What are the options for outside linebacker Dante Fowler and the Los Angeles Rams as Fowler prepares for free agency for the second straight year?

www.therams.com

Offseason Outlook: Dante Fowler Jr. set to enter free agency for the second time in as many years

Outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.'s arrival in Los Angeles midway through the 2018 season coincided with the final year of his rookie contract. When it expired the following offseason, the Rams re-signed him to a one-year deal.

In that contract year, Fowler was a crucial piece to L.A.'s pass rush. His career-high 11.5 sacks ranked second on the team behind defensive tackle Aaron. Perhaps most impressive, though, was that the total exceeded came in his first season as a full-time starter. Another half of a sack, and he would've matched his total from 2016-18 combined.

That one-year contract has now run its course, and Fowler is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 18.

So what are Fowler's options as he prepares for free agency for the second time in as many years? For starters, they're similar to the last offseason.

The Rams could place a tag on Fowler — either the transition tag, non-exclusive franchise tag, or exclusive franchise tag. The transition tag would allow the Rams to match any offer Fowler receives on the open market.

The non-exclusive franchise tag would allow Fowler to negotiate with other teams, but if he reached a deal with another team, that team would owe the Rams significant compensation to sign Fowler. And the exclusive franchise tag would prevent Fowler from negotiating with other teams.

If Fowler received a tag and signed it, he would be under a one-year contract with the Rams. Additionally, the team would have until July 15 to sign Fowler to a long-term deal.

The Rams could also re-sign Fowler either before or after the start of free agency to keep him in the fold on a multi-year deal.

If Fowler does not re-sign, one potential option to fill his role internally is second-year outside linebacker Obo Okoronkwo. The former Oklahoma star flashed as a possible replacement in 10 games, finishing with seven total tackles and 1.5 sacks in a reserve role in the rotation.

Fowler's performance in 2019 will no doubt command a lucrative contract at his position on the open market. But as we've touched on in Offseason Outlooks for defensive lineman Michael Brockers and inside linebacker Cory Littleton, the Rams are aware that they can't afford to keep everybody.

All told, Fowler represents another one of the tough choices Los Angeles will have to make this offseason.

 

[SeminoleRam]

Offseason Outlook: Dante Fowler Jr. set to enter free agency for the second time in as many years

What are the options for outside linebacker Dante Fowler and the Los Angeles Rams as Fowler prepares for free agency for the second straight year?

www.therams.com

Offseason Outlook: Dante Fowler Jr. set to enter free agency for the second time in as many years

Outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr.'s arrival in Los Angeles midway through the 2018 season coincided with the final year of his rookie contract. When it expired the following offseason, the Rams re-signed him to a one-year deal.

In that contract year, Fowler was a crucial piece to L.A.'s pass rush. His career-high 11.5 sacks ranked second on the team behind defensive tackle Aaron. Perhaps most impressive, though, was that the total exceeded came in his first season as a full-time starter. Another half of a sack, and he would've matched his total from 2016-18 combined.

That one-year contract has now run its course, and Fowler is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 18.

So what are Fowler's options as he prepares for free agency for the second time in as many years? For starters, they're similar to the last offseason.

The Rams could place a tag on Fowler — either the transition tag, non-exclusive franchise tag, or exclusive franchise tag. The transition tag would allow the Rams to match any offer Fowler receives on the open market.

The non-exclusive franchise tag would allow Fowler to negotiate with other teams, but if he reached a deal with another team, that team would owe the Rams significant compensation to sign Fowler. And the exclusive franchise tag would prevent Fowler from negotiating with other teams.

If Fowler received a tag and signed it, he would be under a one-year contract with the Rams. Additionally, the team would have until July 15 to sign Fowler to a long-term deal.

The Rams could also re-sign Fowler either before or after the start of free agency to keep him in the fold on a multi-year deal.

If Fowler does not re-sign, one potential option to fill his role internally is second-year outside linebacker Obo Okoronkwo. The former Oklahoma star flashed as a possible replacement in 10 games, finishing with seven total tackles and 1.5 sacks in a reserve role in the rotation.

Fowler's performance in 2019 will no doubt command a lucrative contract at his position on the open market. But as we've touched on in Offseason Outlooks for defensive lineman Michael Brockers and inside linebacker Cory Littleton, the Rams are aware that they can't afford to keep everybody.

All told, Fowler represents another one of the tough choices Los Angeles will have to make this offseason.

I know that re-signing Fowler is probably pretty slim but I hope it happens!

 

[oldnotdead]

Why is it slim? The Rams have the money to sign him and he has already said he wants to stay.

The guy that might be hard to sign is Cory Littleton. That said he can see how close this team is to returning to the SB and how good the team culture is. IMO it's simply a matter of the contract structure. Just remember it's not about the top number it's all about the guaranteed money. The team has shown they are good at being creative and I'm confident it will get done. Remember this is a team that guys want to come to not run from.

People need to quit listening to the media who love to blow things out of proportions. The Rams will have the money to extend key guys if they don't waste it on guys like extending Blythe. IMO NRC or Hill is probably going to be gone as well as Christian. In fact both CB's might be gone and that clears between $6-$7M right there.

I think Whit will join the coaching staff and IMO that is what will be offered him this week. I think there will be a turnover on the bottom part of the coaching staff and a restructure of the staff when it happens. I will keep saying it IMO Kromer's failure in the run game in terms of blocking scheme is a huge reason this team isn't playing this weekend. I knew had the Rams won out that the Vikes probably would lose one or both of their last two games.

People need to quit trying to rebuild this roster. It has far more talent on it than most think. Just go back and look at how much better the O-line played over the last few games. The right side is fixed and they have their LG. The Rams won't have a problem with their o-line if they dump Kromer and get good coaching. Kromer and Dickerson need to go and Fisch needs to be promoted with Whitworth hired to replace Dickerson. That will fix the o-line and the run game without a huge turnover in players and starting from scratch again.

 

[AZRams]

Local afternoon sports guys were talking up Fowler yesterday as a potential big-name signing for the Cards. Historically though Keim apparently prefers to maximize the number of players for the dollars when it comes to Free Agency and has shied away from big-time signings.

They're looking for somebody on the edge to pair up with Chandler Jones.

 

[So Ram]

Why is it slim? The Rams have the money to sign him and he has already said he wants to stay.

The guy that might be hard to sign is Cory Littleton. That said he can see how close this team is to returning to the SB and how good the team culture is. IMO it's simply a matter of the contract structure. Just remember it's not about the top number it's all about the guaranteed money. The team has shown they are good at being creative and I'm confident it will get done. Remember this is a team that guys want to come to not run from.

People need to quit listening to the media who love to blow things out of proportions. The Rams will have the money to extend key guys if they don't waste it on guys like extending Blythe. IMO NRC or Hill is probably going to be gone as well as Christian. In fact both CB's might be gone and that clears between $6-$7M right there.

I think Whit will join the coaching staff and IMO that is what will be offered him this week. I think there will be a turnover on the bottom part of the coaching staff and a restructure of the staff when it happens. I will keep saying it IMO Kromer's failure in the run game in terms of blocking scheme is a huge reason this team isn't playing this weekend. I knew had the Rams won out that the Vikes probably would lose one or both of their last two games.

People need to quit trying to rebuild this roster. It has far more talent on it than most think. Just go back and look at how much better the O-line played over the last few games. The right side is fixed and they have their LG. The Rams won't have a problem with their o-line if they dump Kromer and get good coaching. Kromer and Dickerson need to go and Fisch needs to be promoted with Whitworth hired to replace Dickerson. That will fix the o-line and the run game without a huge turnover in players and starting from scratch again.

WOW - agree with the offensive line, but think Hill & Clay Matthews comeback for sure. There is going to be a lot of change, but the CORE is not going anywhere. Andrew Whitworth will be one of them, BUT definitely not as a coach LMAO!!!! He has a full house at home. He is a family & loves the game & comrade.
I’m not listening to the News, but do watch or read interviews. The offensive line is good because of the coach & scouting. Yes there have been mistakes, but now Kromer has been reliefed as the running OC. He will be able to concentrate on the line. As far as Dickerson & Zak go, Mcvay gave them props for there work on the offensive line.
NRC is solid at nickel, but I can see him maybe getting released. Think more 60% The Rams keeping him.
I would’ve surprised if Gurley is let go ?? Then again he will be put in a position to succeed.

I’m not sure about Fowler, but he and RAMsey are cool with each other as teammates. Would be cool if they both get wrapped up together for a few seasons.
Then use the draft for D’guys & playmakers.

I think Trading Gurley & locking up Fowler would keep The The Rams ascending.

 

[BonifayRam]

UFA Dante Fowler Jr
PFF does not have DF rated as high as I would have thought. PFF has DF listed s the 8th top UFA edge rusher.

2019 Season Stats:
Solo Tackles-31T-22nd, Assists 9T-19th, Sacks-15T-6th, Forced Fumbles 2T-18th

Dante Fowler Jr. | Washington Commanders ED | NFL and PFF stats

NFL and PFF player stats for Washington Commodes ED Dante Fowler Jr. on Pro Football Focus.

www.pff.com

 

[Ram65]

There is so much that goes on behind closed doors that it becomes a bit of a guessing game with how the Rams see things and want to proceed. I was a little surprised the Rams gave him as much as they did last year and that he stayed for a one year deal. Looks like it paid off for Donte whether it's with the Rams or not. He did get better this year. I didn't see him as great but, above-average edge OLBer.

Keeping Fowler depends on how are the Rams evaluating Obo, Ebu, Polite and Lawler compared to the expense of Fowler is one of the main criteria. Allocating the cap space for Fowler compared to other monetary decisions on players such as Littleton, Johnson, Kupp, outside free agents and the rest is another important criteria. Once the Rams made the trade for Ramsey they committed high cap dollars to him. It has an effect on Fowler but, maybe not as direct effect as the others.

In the end, I'm thinking it could be Fowler or Littleton or neither. Brandon Staley the Rams new defensive coordinator should have a big say in what happens with these decisions. The more we delve into the possible permutations of Ram's personnel decisions with cap ramifications the harder it is to make choices. I have been more on keeping Littleton but, really can't be sure of what the Ram's decision will be or what is the right move.

 

[FrantikRam]

For people that think the team being "close" will factor in at all for Fowler or Littleton to take a discount....the Niners are really putting a crimp on that.

They went out and splurged on Dee Ford and Kwon Alexander, which was a MASSIVE overpay - and they went from the 2nd worst team in the NFL to the Super Bowl.

Littleton could go sign with any team and who knows? Three of the four teams in the conference championships weren't even in the playoffs last year.

 

[den-the-coach]

Littleton could go sign with any team and who knows? Three of the four teams in the conference championships weren't even in the playoffs last year.

I like Littleton, but I love Dante Fowler, it's going to bother me to see Fowler in another uniform and iMO, I would keep him over Littleton and it's close....Sure wish we could keep them both.

I want to do away with the Salary Cap, Rams have the means now and the end justifies the means!

 

[Mackeyser]

No you don't, Den.

That leads to the Yankee-ization of football and that would suck...to see the same teams constantly contending.

The NFL has things it can do and should do with the cap, but eliminating it ain't one...

 

[den-the-coach]

No you don't, Den.

That leads to the Yankee-ization of football and that would suck...to see the same teams constantly contending.

The NFL has things it can do and should do with the cap, but eliminating it ain't one...

Agreed I always loved that about the NFL, but I'm getting older and I want to win a few more Super Bowls, so I guess we'll just have to do it the hard way.

 

[den-the-coach]

But I love a big splash!

View: https://media.giphy.com/media/8hYyt0NnyUQF0A2S8O/giphy.gif

 

[So Ram]

For people that think the team being "close" will factor in at all for Fowler or Littleton to take a discount....the Niners are really putting a crimp on that.

They went out and splurged on Dee Ford and Kwon Alexander, which was a MASSIVE overpay - and they went from the 2nd worst team in the NFL to the Super Bowl.

Littleton could go sign with any team and who knows? Three of the four teams in the conference championships weren't even in the playoffs last year.

that happens all the time. Nothing new there. The Rams need to get to a point they are good Year in and year out.
I’m actually glad The Rams went through the diversity they did. The only exception was they did not make it to the playoffs.
Which of course they could have.
The benefit was restructuring the staff,and gives The Rams more time to self evaluate. I think we will see some major change with the roster.

 

[BonifayRam]

But I love a big splash!

View: https://media.giphy.com/media/8hYyt0NnyUQF0A2S8O/giphy.gif

Can the Rams do it with $21,092,123 in cap funds?

 

[den-the-coach]

Can the Rams do it with $21,092,123 in cap funds?

No, but the still doesn't mean I don't love the guy and what he brought to the table every game.

 

[FrantikRam]

I like Littleton, but I love Dante Fowler, it's going to bother me to see Fowler in another uniform and iMO, I would keep him over Littleton and it's close....Sure wish we could keep them both.

I want to do away with the Salary Cap, Rams have the means now and the end justifies the means!

I agree and I believe we will keep him. The Rams defense wasn't perfect but after trading for Ramsey, we led the NFL in sacks. Fowler, AD and Ramsey are at the core of that. I think we keep him.

 

[Merlin]

No you don't, Den.

That leads to the Yankee-ization of football and that would suck...to see the RAMS same teams constantly contending.

Fixed it for you Mack!

 

[BonifayRam]

Rumor: Dante Fowler, Jr. wants to play for the Falcons

The pass rusher may want to reunite with Dan Quinn.

www.thefalcoholic.com

 

[OldSchool]

And the Falcons have two second round picks. I mentioned them in my last mock as a candidate to tag and trade him. They have a need, an extra 2nd round pick and cap space to do it.