Carolina Panthers: 3 NFC South signings that cause most concern
By Dean Jones
Dante Fowler Jr. – DE
The Atlanta Falcons made a bold move in free agency by acquiring defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. to a three-year deal worth $48 million. This was an area of significant need for the organization and one that instantly improves their pass rush.
While the Falcons’ offense is loaded with potent weapons that have the potential to score on any given down., Their defense has been suspect at best over the last two seasons and this is something that needs to rectify at the earliest possible opportunity.
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The Falcons have made good strides during the offseason in this particular area. And having Fowler Jr. on board is another significant boost. He is a former third-overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars who had a career season in 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams.
Fowler Jr. logged 11.5 sacks, six pass deflections, 40 combined tackles, and two forced fumbles last term. This answered the doubters who questioned his commitment and earned him a lucrative deal elsewhere after just one season in Los Angeles.
His arrival in the NFC South is bad news for the Carolina Panthers. Their offensive line is set to look completely different by the time competitive action rolls around.
Their cohesion will be tested further by the lingering impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which could leave players like Fowler Jr. salivating at the prospect of coming up against protection with plenty of questions to answer.