Another pretty big domino has fallen in free agency. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, former Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Dante Fowler has agreed to a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
#Rams free agent pass-rusher Dante Fowler is expected to sign with the #Falcons, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. A high-end pass-rusher lands in Atlanta. Coach Dan Quinn actually coached Fowler while at Florida.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
The #Falcons are giving pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr a 3-year deal, source said. The #Rams tried to keep him, but he opts for Atlanta.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
From @nflnetwork: The #Falcons are signing standout pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr to a 3-year deal worth up to $48M, some huge help on the edge for coach Dan Quinn. pic.twitter.com/Tx7OtJ5Lte
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
So it looks like the Rams did make an effort to keep Fowler. That makes sense for a number of reasons.
First of all, Los Angeles has been extremely quiet this offseason. So, you would expect them to be trying to keep some of the talent they had that are currently free agents.
Second, they've already lost Cory Littleton. Now isn't the best time for them to be losing more key pieces of the defense, especially one that racked up 11.5 sacks in 2019.
However, that's the case as the Rams now see another big name walk away to a new team.
Meanwhile, this is great news for the Falcons. They made it known before free agency started that they wanted a pass rusher.
Atlanta was the second-worst team in the NFL last season when it came to sacks (28). This prompted them to admit that they needed to address the pass rush situation. It appears they have done that.
Now, one person does not immediately make them the most elite pass rushing team in the NFL. They'll likely still want some more help. Fowler definitely helps though.
Last season, Vic Beasley led the team with eight sacks. He left though, which means Atlanta's pass rush was in an even worse way. Fowler comes in with his 11.5 sacks from last season and is right away their best weapon in the pass rush.
If the Falcons can find him a partner, things could be looking much better for Atlanta when it comes to getting to the quarterback in 2020.