It looked likely that Dante Fowler Jr. and the Washington Commanders would go their separate ways this offseason. But the player went one step further by re-signing for arguably the team's most bitter division rival.
Fowler opted to reunite with Dan Quinn during the 2024 free-agency period. The Commanders thought this familiarity could smooth the transition and they were proven right with a double-digit sack campaign.
There was a lot to like about Fowler's pass-rushing capabilities. The Commanders picked and chose their spots, which became mutually beneficial. The former No. 3 overall selection gained 10.5 sacks and wanted to be rewarded accordingly despite his lackluster consistency against the run.
After taking to social media stating he felt disrespected, the rumor mill swirled about Fowler's potential departure. The Commanders weren't going to overpay or wait around for a compromise. They turned their attention elsewhere and did so with ruthless conviction.
Dante Fowler Jr. becomes Commanders' enemy again after signing for Cowboys
Fowler eventually got what he believed was an acceptable offer. This came from the Dallas Cowboys with a one-year deal that could be worth up to $8 million with incentives.
The Commanders were never going to pay that regardless of his sack numbers. Fower's not a well-rounded player, especially when it comes to setting a clean edge on running plays. That was enough for general manager Adam Peters to explore cost-effective alternatives.
Now, Fowler has gone from hero to villain among Washington's fanbase once again.
The Florida graduate spent two years in Dallas under Quinn's guidance, gaining 10 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. After a surge in performance levels in Washington, Fowler gets the chance to bolster a Cowboys' defensive front seven that lost DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason.
He'll also have no trouble providing some inside secrets to Dallas' coaches. This is the first time Fowler hasn't played for Quinn in five years. He'll know more than most what makes the coach tick and perhaps some weaknesses that the Cowboys can potentially exploit.
Nobody else was going to offer Fowler this sort of money. The Cowboys are once again making some peculiar moves in their quest to keep up with the Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles within the NFC East. Their decision to put off All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons' market-resetting contract is only going to cost them more after the deals recently given to Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett.
That's of no concern to the Commanders, who are working towards Peters' grand plan with their Super Bowl window officially open. They've secured a nice mix of veteran depth and immediate difference-makers this offseason. Those plans will no longer include Fowler, who did well overall without firmly justifying this sort of financial outlay from the organization.
Fowler's presence on the opposite side of the field adds some extra spice to Washington's two games with Dallas next season. But it's not like this storied rivalry needs that.