The Atlanta Falcons have released outside linebacker Dante Fowler, Jr. after two years with the team. The outside linebacker accumulated a total of 59 tackles, four forced fumbles, and seven-and-a-half sacks in his short time in Atlanta.
Falcons announced they have released Dante Fowler.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 16, 2022
Dante Fowler Released by Atlanta Falcons
Before Fowler landed in Atlanta, he had a roller-coaster of a career. He was drafted third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL draft. Unfortunately, before the season started the University of Florida product suffered a season-ending ACL injury. In his first action in 2016, he ended the season with four sacks and five pass deflections, showing glimpses of why he was a top-five pick.
Then there was the magical 2017 season for Jacksonville. The defense was so good, it earned a nickname: “Sacksonville”. An ode to the defensive line’s uncanny ability to get to the passer. Calais Campbell, Dante Fowler, and Yannick Ngauokue were all beneficiaries of each other’s strengths creating nightmares for offensive lines throughout the league. Fowler ended with eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He even scored a defensive touchdown.
Then, just as fast as the defense rose, it fell. With departures including Jalen Ramsey, Campbell, and Ngauokue, “Sacksonville” proved to be just a one-hit-wonder. Fowler grew unhappy and was then traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the middle of the 2018 season.
Fowler’s 2019 season alongside Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd showed more flashes of that ability that made him a top-five pick in 2015. He ended the season with 11.5 sacks and six pass deflections. Fowler’s production made him a prime target for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020.
With the Falcons having released Dante Fowler, the 2022 offseason has officially begun in Atlanta. While Fowler’s release won’t affect the 2022 cap, it is a sign that Fontenot has started building the new team. Atlanta fans may begin to look forward as this is the first of many important decisions this new regime has to make.
We have released Dante Fowler. https://t.co/5NjYFoOTDP
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 16, 2022
Very underwhelming 2 years with us (definitely an understatement)
No doubt he will perform where he goes next.
Good luck to him. https://t.co/Zbb55XfeQC
— 🇬🇧 Atlanta Falcons 🔴⚫ (@ATLFalconsUK) February 16, 2022
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