6 players Jacksonville Jaguars must avoid in free agency

No. 6 free agent the Jaguars should avoid in 2022 – Dante Fowler, EDGE.

The Atlanta Falcons released outside linebacker Dante Fowler two years after striking a three-year deal worth $45 million. The Falcons are currently on a cap crunch, so it made sense to move on from the former first-round pick to get a bit of relief. However, that wasn’t the only reason Atlanta decided to move on from Fowler.

The Florida product had a breakout year with Los Angeles Rams in 2019, logging 11.5 sacks, 58 total tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. However, he hasn’t been as productive in the last two seasons, amassing a combined 59 total tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and four forced fumbles. Keep in mind this has been the norm and not an outlier throughout his career.

During his 39-game stint in Jacksonville, Fowler had 14 sacks, 53 tackles for a loss, 14 tackles for a loss, and three forced fumbles. You certainly want better numbers from a first-round pick, especially the one the Jags chose with the third overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. Looking back, they got it right when they traded him to the Rams. Sure, Los Angeles got a good year out of him but there’s a reason why they let him walk in free agency back in 2020 and Jacksonville should stay clear from a reunion.

Fowler hasn’t been consistent enough throughout his career to command a big contract this offseason. The numbers are simply not there.