Jacksonville Jaguars: The curious case of Dante Fowler Jr.
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars open training camp this week with Dante Fowler on the PUP list
There were high expectations for Dante Fowler in 2018. After all, Fowler was a first round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015.
Currently, Fowler is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as training camp opens this week.
In June, Hays Carlyon of 1010xl.com reported the following:
"… a red flag went up in my mind when I saw him during the mandatory minicamp on June 13. Fowler missed the offseason program recovering from an upper-body injury. … it’s obvious Fowler has lost sizable muscle mass in his upper body."
Then, the NFL announced the one game suspension of Fowler last week. The bad news keeps coming for Fowler. It’s very bad timing for someone becoming a free agent next March.
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Remember, Fowler missed the 2015 season because of a knee injury. Yannick Ngakoue has solidified himself as the starter over Fowler. You would think that Fowler would spend time preparing for his opportunity to remind everyone that he was the third overall selection by Jacksonville.
His off the field antics have hurt him. Fowler seems to have the propensity to do the wrong thing at the wrong time. So, the Jaguars declined his contract option. What options does Fowler have now?
First, he needs to get healthy. Since he will be entering into free agency, teams will not want him if he can’t contribute. Damaged goods do not command high prices especially two injuries in a four year span.
Next, Fowler could request to be traded. Jacksonville could get additional draft picks for him. Stockpiling draft picks is what Jacksonville needs to do instead of pursuing high dollar free agents.
Fowler’s career has been a curious one. The highs and lows speak volumes. Here’s a guy with unlimited potential and he can’t stay healthy or out of trouble. Hopefully, this has gotten his full attention.