New York Giants: 5 Top targets in 2020 NFL free agency
By Joe Kipp
5. Dante Fowler Jr., EDGE
The Giants were one of the worst teams in the NFL at rushing the passer in 2019, which is why acquiring a known commodity like defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. could be beneficial.
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Still just 25 years old, Fowler is coming off a career-best season with the Los Angeles Rams, where he posted 11.5 sacks and 67 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Drafted No. 3 overall in 2015 by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fowler missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL in his knee. He was deemed a bust until he was traded to the Rams in 2018. Fowler appears to have revived his career after a change of scenery, but it looks like Los Angeles won’t be able to re-sign him due to cap constraints. Before his breakout season in 2019, Fowler had posted just 16 sacks in his previous three seasons.
Fowler will command a huge contract due to his age and potential, but his past production isn’t as eye-popping as other free agents. Fowler signed a one-year, fully guaranteed $12 million contract with the Rams last offseason.
He’ll likely command an average annual salary of $13-14 million per year on a new multi-year deal. The key will be the guaranteed money. Will teams bank on Fowler’s future potential? Or use his one-year wonder against him?