Jaguars decline 2019 contract option on Dante Fowler

BMF

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Jaguars decline 2019 contract option on Dante Fowler

http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20180502/jaguars-decline-2019-contract-option-on-dante-fowler

The Jaguars declined to exercise defensive end Dante Fowler’s 2019 contract option Wednesday, meaning he is scheduled to be a free agent next March.

Among the top 25 picks, only six first-rounders from 2015 did not have their options picked up: Fowler (No. 3), Chicago’s Kevin White (No. 7), the New York Giants’ Ereck Flowers (No. 9) and New England’s Danny Shelton (originally drafted No. 12 by Cleveland), Kansas City’s Cameron Erving (originally drafted No. 19 by Cleveland) and Denver’s Shane Ray (No. 23).

White has played only five games in three years because of injury, Flowers was replaced by free agent left tackle Nate Solder earlier this off-season and the Broncos drafted Bradley Chubb last week, which could make Ray expendable.

The Jaguars’ decision can be viewed as further proof they will build their pass rush around former third-round pick Yannick Ngakoue, who is eligible for a contract extension after this season. But it doesn’t mean the Jaguars are giving up on Fowler – the sides could come to terms on a new contract before he hits the open market although the choice is now in Fowler’s hands.

In a statement released by the team, executive vice president Tom Coughlin said: “We do like Dante and we feel that he’s on the verge of having a great season. ... He is making good progress and we like how he practices and how he plays, as he did in the AFC Championship Game and we want him to have a great season and earn a new long-term contract with us this year.”

Fowler’s fifth-year salary was projected to be $14.2 million had the Jaguars picked up the option. It is the average of the top 10 highest salaries at Fowler’s position and would have been guaranteed for injury only.


Fowler is scheduled to count $7.5 million on this year’s salary cap.

The Jaguars declined offensive lineman Luke Joeckel’s option in 2016 and he left for Seattle in free agency. Last year, the Jaguars picked up quarterback Blake Bortles’ option and then signed him to a new contract in February.

Fowler missed his rookie year due to a torn ACL sustained in the opening rookie camp practice. He has not missed a game in two years since, totaling 12 sacks, but starting only one game.

Last year, Fowler’s 581 snaps (out of 1,259) ranked fifth among the Jaguars’ defensive linemen. Game charting by the Times-Union had him with 31 total pressures (10 sacks, 16 hurries and five knockdowns), fourth on the team behind Ngakoue (50), Calais Campbell (47) and Malik Jackson (40 1/2).

If Fowler is allowed to hit free agency next year, the Jaguars are taking a risk of him joining a division rival like cornerback Aaron Colvin did this off-season (Houston). Fowler will be a 24-year-old free agent at a premium position. There will be significant interest if he stays healthy in 2018.
 

gatordad3

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At least he paid off those $7000 Christian Louboutin shoes he wore to the 2015 draft.
Fowler_Spikes_471724228.jpg
 
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soflagator

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They probably just don’t think he’s the type that can handle the constant cold, rainy conditions. Let alone the pretentious, fast paced Brit lifestyle.
 

Alumni Guy

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He got tore his knee up in his very 1st NFL practice. That sucks

Why didn't it happen to Jameis!?
 

Swamp Donkey

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Food sucks in Angland anyway.
 

NVGator

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They probably just don’t think he’s the type that can handle the constant cold, rainy conditions. Let alone the pretentious, fast paced Brit lifestyle.
That almost earned you a dislike but then I saw who the poster was so I backed off.
 

g8tr72

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Maybe it will motivate him to prove his worth.
 

BMF

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If he has a similar year as 2017 he'll be a sought after FA. He won't get $14 million....and that was a smart move by the Jaguars. But he likely signs somewhere for big money and lasts a few more years in a difficult league to last in.
 

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