6 free-agent defensive ends the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Dante Fowler
Dante Fowler may have finally fulfilled his potential after a sensational season with the Los Angeles Rams.
He arrived in California as a hugely polarising figure thanks to his inconsistent play with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being selected second overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The former Florida prospect answered his critics emphatically last season with 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles to go alongside 58 combined tackles and an eye-catching six pass deflections.
Fowler vastly improved his ability to get to the quarterback and he was a massive asset in the run game. He emerged as one of the standout performers for a Rams defense that significantly underachieved in 2019.
Although it is only one season of elite production, this will not prevent teams from making Fowler a large offer to try and tempt him away from Los Angeles.
Whether the Vikings will be willing or able to match any $10 million-plus per year offer for Fowler is up for debate. If Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph are sacrificed for the salary cap it leaves a huge need on the defensive front and Minnesota will need to invest wisely to give them a shot at making the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
Any team that signs Fowler will be taking a gamble that he can continue his high level of performance, which is far from guaranteed.