The Los Angeles Rams made a crucial re-signing last night by announcing they have agreed to a new contract with impending free agent defensive lineman Dante Fowler, Jr.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport hears that it’s a one-year deal for Fowler that will pay him $14 million.
Last night, the #Rams agreed to terms with pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. on a 1-year deal worth $14M, source said. The former 1st rounder gets another year with the team that traded for him at roughly the amount that the fifth-year option would’ve been, then can hit the market. 💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2019
Fowler, 24, was selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at No. 3 overall but was traded to the Rams at the 2018 NFL Trade Deadline, instantly becoming a crucial piece of the Rams’ trip to the Super Bowl.
In 2018, the Florida product played out the final year of the rookie contract he agreed to upon being drafted, so the $14 million he will be paid next season is just a bit below the $14.2 million fifth-year option that the Jaguars declined one year in advance, and months before he was traded.
Fowler appeared in 15 regular season games in 2016 (seven with Jacksonville and eight with L.A.), making six starts (all of them with the Rams), defending a pass, recording four sacks, and being involved in 30 tackles. Fowler also forced two fumbles and recovered two.
Fowler’s presence was definitely felt throughout his time with Los Angeles last season, and the Rams get an early jump on free agency by signing the dominant defensive athlete ahead of the new league year.
