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3 free agent edge rushers the Redskins should consider signing in 2019

By Jacob Camenker

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a defensive pass broken up at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 10: Outside linebacker Shane Ray #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a defensive pass broken up at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Dante Fowler #56 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his sack and fumble recovery in the fourth quarter during a 36-31 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Dante Fowler #56 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his sack and fumble recovery in the fourth quarter during a 36-31 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

51. . Edge Rusher. Rams. Dante Fowler. 3. player

In the first three seasons of his career, Dante Fowler has sack totals of four, eight, and four. Usually, that would be a good thing for a part-time player, but this actually isn’t great for Fowler as he comes with some baggage that teams will have to deal with in order to be comfortable adding him.

Fowler has already played for two different teams during his four years in the NFL. He wore out his welcome with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was traded to the Rams before the 2018 trade deadline. There was frustration that Fowler, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, never developed into a starter, and there were some questions about his work ethic. That’s part of why the Jaguars elected to trade him. That’s also why he may not see a hot free agent market this offseason.

Because the Jaguars declined Fowler’s fifth-year option before the season, Fowler is slated to hit free agency with a bunch of other quality pass rushers. He won’t be a priority signing as a result, and he may find himself waiting as some of the other top pieces on the market fall into place. Also, since Fowler has never had success as a starter, it seems probable that teams are going to view him as a backup or rotational player. So, he may not get as much money as he’s hoping to.

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The pass rusher market can be tricky, as numerous teams may decide to put the franchise tag on their top edge players. Pass rushers are arguably the second or third most important position in the NFL right now behind quarterback and offensive line, so they come at a premium. That will help Fowler recoup some of his value, especially if fewer players end up available come March.

For the Redskins, Fowler is a player with upside. If they can get him on a one-year, “prove it” deal, he would be well worth the investment. He has all the upside in the world and if he’s properly motivated, it’s possible that he could become a double-digit sack artist. After all, we saw him post eight sacks in a limited role in 2017, so anything is possible. The question will just be, are the Redskins the right environment for him? Or will they not be able to get the most out of the former first-round pick? Either way, they should at least give him some consideration as a buy-low option.

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