Before deciding where to sign for the 2026 season, free agent outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. had a long conversation with Seahawks outside linebacker and former Cowboys teammate DeMarcus Lawrence.
"We talked for like 30 minutes on FaceTime, just chopping it up, and after that I made my decision," Fowler said after signing with the Seahawks on Monday.
And what was Lawrence's biggest message to Fowler that helped convince him to sign with the Seahawks?
"If you want to win a Super Bowl, you should come here," Fowler said, relaying Lawrence's message.
In Seattle, Fowler will join an outside linebacker group that includes Lawrence, who signed with the Seahawks last year as a free agent, Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall. The 31-year-old Fowler is heading into the 12th season of an NFL career that began with the Jaguars, who made him the No. 3 overall pick in in 2015, and has also included stops with the Rams, Falcons, Cowboys, Commanders and Cowboys again last season.
Last year, the Seahawks credited defensive coordinator Aden Durde's familiarity with Larwence for helping make that signing such a success—Lawrence earned Pro-Bowl honors in his first year in Seattle—and Fowler too has a background with Durde, who coached him in both Atlanta and Dallas.
In addition to Lawrence's encouragement, the other big factor in Fowler's decision was the presence of Durde, he said.
"Really because of the defensive coordinator, Coach AD," Fowler said of his decision to come to Seattle. "Me and him have a really great relationship going all the way back to when I was playing with the Falcons, and when we had a really great defense with the Cowboys. So just being able to come and play for him again as a defensive coordinator is really cool. I've been a fan of Mike Macdonald since he was the defensive coordinator at the Baltimore Ravens, so just to be able to be a part of this defense is really special."
Fowler continued with his praise of Durde, saying, "He knows what he's talking about, he's a general, and he makes guys want to run through a wall for him. He knows what it takes, he knows how to push you to where you need to go, and he knows how to get the best out of his players."
Fowler is also motivated by watching Lawrence's success from afar.
"It was amazing, just to be able to play with him for the past couple of years," Fowler said. "The legacy he left (in Dallas), when he left, it was a big thing, and to see him come here and see how great he played—he was very healthy, he took this defense to another level, and he won a Super Bowl, something that he has been talking about since I met him. So it was really cool to watch him in that position."
Fowler has appeared in 159 games with 58 starts over 10 seasons—he missed his entire rookie year with a knee injury—and has appeared in all 17 games in each of the past four seasons. Fowler has totaled 58.5 sacks in his career, including 3.0 last year and 10.5 in 2024, as well as 294 total tackles, 74 tackles for loss, 97 quarterback hits, 15 forced fumbles and 23 passes defensed.
"I'm a pass-rusher, a guy that knows how to get to the quarterback, and that's very seasoned; I've played this game for a very long time," Fowler said, adding that signing with the Seahawks, "feels right. It's really cool."
The Seahawks signed linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. on May 11, 2026. Take a look at some of the best photos of Fowler Jr. throughout the years.
Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler, Jr. (6) takes the field with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Eastern Michigan in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler, Jr. (6) runs during a play against Eastern Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) plays against Vanderbilt in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Florida won 34-10. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (5) manages to escape a sack as he is hit by Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler, Jr. (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Tallahassee, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., (56) tries to strip the ball from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) while scrambling for yardage during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. Taylor was knocked out of the game on the play. The Jaguars won 10-3. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) during the first half of the AFC championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) celebrates a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Patriots 31-20. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler (56) tackles Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler shows his excitement after recovering a fumble during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, passes under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler (56) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler (56) helps force a fumble by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Dante Fowler (56) tackles Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Dante Fowler (56) celebrates during an NFL divisional football playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New England Patriots' Julian Edelman, center, runs from Los Angeles Rams' Cory Littleton (58) and Dante Fowler (56) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (56) looks over the line of scrimmage at New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the NFL Super Bowl LIII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 in Atlanta. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to throw under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler (56) defends during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Cleveland. The Rams won 20-13. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler (56) recovers a fumble in front of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) and returns it for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, is tackled by Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Dante Fowler (56) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) runs between Los Angeles Rams linebacker Dante Fowler, left, and defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (69) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (56) raises his arms after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/John Hefti)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) battles Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 40-39. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) misses the tackle on Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56), cornerback A.J. Terrell (24), and strong safety Keanu Neal (22) celebrate during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Atlanta. The Detroit Lions won 23-22. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) runs around the edge during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) gets set for a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
FILE - Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (6) works during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Atlanta. Fowler returned to practice on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, opening the possibility he might come off injured reserve and play Sunday at Dallas.(AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (6) tackles Washington Football Team running back Jaret Patterson (32) for a loss during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
New York Jets running back Michael Carter (32) tries to get away from Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during the first half of an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, England, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) celebrates after knocking ball loose form Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Arlington, Tx. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) celebrates a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 25-10. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Linebacker (56) Dante Fowler of the Dallas Cowboys against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. Cowboys won 22-10. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts is stopped by Dallas Cowboys' Dante Fowler Jr. during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) is seen during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 49-29. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., left, tackles Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won 49-29. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) reacts after a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) is seen during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 54-19. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) rushes against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dante Fowler (56) and defensive back Stephon Gilmore (21) combine on the tackle of Mecole Hardman Jr. (6) during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Sunday, September 17, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) strips the ball away from New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. The fumble was recovered by linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and returned for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) is seen during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-3. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) is seen during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 45-10. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. reacts after making a stop on a third down play against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) in action during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) fires up the crowd during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. runs from Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders, right, as he returns an interception 67 yards for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) and linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) celebrate after stopping the Carolina Panthers on fourth down during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) rushes during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, October 27, 2024 in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) hits New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) causing a fumble during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, November 10, 2024 in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The Cowboys defeated the Commanders 34-26. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) reacts during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) rushers the passer during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, MD. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) runs to the ball carrier during an NFL football Wild Card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan 12, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)
Dallas Cowboys' Dante Fowler Jr. applies pressure to New York Jets' Justin Fields during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (13) defends during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dallas Cowboys' Dante Fowler Jr. reacts after sacking New York Jets' Justin Fields during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. hypes the crowd during a football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler (13) rushes during a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (13) rushes against Kansas City Chiefs' Jaylon Moore (77) and Patrick Mahomes (15) during an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (13) rushes the line past Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) during an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (13) rushes during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
