The Atlanta Falcons have released veteran linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., who was set to hit free agency as the final year of his contract was converted into a void year.
The 27-year-old edge rusher initially signed a three-year deal with the Falcons in 2020 but agreed to take a pay cut last year in exchange for a chance to earn more in incentives—none of which he hit—as well as add the void year.
He appeared in 14 games, six starts, and finished with just 4.5 sacks. His sack total led the Falcons, who finished dead last in the NFL with only 18 sacks.
Throughout his time in Atlanta, Fowler played in 28 games, 19 starts and recorded 59 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two passes defensed.
His playing time had become inconsistent – in some games, he’d play more than 50% of the team’s defensive snaps, but in others, he’d play in under 40%.
Fowler’s release leaves the Falcons with about $4.7 million in dead money for 2022, though they’re free from the rest of his contract.
The third overall pick in the 2015 draft, Fowler has tallied 200 total tackles, 35 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries throughout 91 career games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams and Falcons.
