Saints’ ‘Top Option’ to Replace Carl Granderson Is a Veteran Former Rams and Cowboys Player with 58.5 Sacks, per Adam Schefter
NEW ORLEANS – With the 2026 NFL offseason in full swing, the New Orleans Saints are pivoting to address a critical need on the edge of their defense. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the organization has identified a primary target to bolster their pass rush: veteran defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.
The move comes as the Saints look to add seasoned depth opposite rising star Carl Granderson, who signed a significant contract extension just last year . As the 2026 campaign approaches, New Orleans is making it clear that a “win now” mentality is driving their roster construction.
The Fowler Fit
According to Schefter’s report—which first surfaced regarding Seattle’s needs but has since gained traction in New Orleans circles—Fowler represents the most logical and impactful option remaining on the free-agent market . A former third overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Florida, Fowler has carved out a productive, if nomadic, career.
Now 31 years old, Fowler brings a career resume that includes stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and most recently, the Dallas Cowboys. Over 10 seasons, he has accumulated 58.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and 97 quarterback hits . His recent production suggests he still has gas in the tank; he recorded 10.5 sacks in 2024 and added 3.0 more in 2025 as a rotational piece for the Cowboys .
For a Saints team that was criticized last season for a lack of consistent pressure outside of Granderson, adding a veteran with Fowler’s track record of disrupting the pocket is a priority.
Why Granderson’s Situation Sparks the Need
The interest in Fowler is not a reflection of dissatisfaction with Carl Granderson but rather a strategic move to maximize the current window. Granderson, the former Wyoming standout, is coming off a strong start to his tenure as a full-time starter. After beating out 2021 first-round pick Payton Turner, Granderson signed a four-year extension in 2025 worth up to $52 million, locking him in as a cornerstone of the defensive line through 2027 .
However, the depth chart behind Granderson remains thin. With veteran Cameron Jordan’s future in New Orleans still uncertain as he approaches the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, and Turner continuing to battle injury issues, the Saints lack a proven “bend the edge” rusher on the opposite side .
“We need to get after the quarterback,” a team source familiar with the front office’s thinking told reporters this week. “You can never have too many guys who can win one-on-ones.”
Fowler fits that bill perfectly. He has been remarkably durable throughout his career, rarely missing significant time, and offers positional flexibility. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods could utilize Fowler as a weakside rusher on passing downs while keeping Granderson—who is stout against the run—on the field for early downs.
The Competition: Seahawks and Others
The Saints are not the only team courting Fowler. In fact, Schefter’s initial report linked Fowler heavily to the Seattle Seahawks, who are looking to replace Boye Mafe after his departure to the Cincinnati Bengals . Seattle’s defensive coordinator, Aden Durde, has a prior relationship with Fowler from their time together in Atlanta and Dallas, giving the Seahawks a natural advantage if the relationship factor comes into play .
However, New Orleans presents a compelling counter-argument: opportunity. While Seattle is in a retooling phase under head coach Mike Macdonald, the Saints believe they are legitimate contenders in the NFC South. Quarterback Tyler Shough showed promise in his first year as the starter in 2025, and the offense added weapons like Travis Etienne Jr. . Adding a veteran pass rusher to close out games could be the missing ingredient.
How Fowler Impacts the Draft
The Saints currently hold the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and many analysts projected them to use that selection on an edge rusher, with names like Ruben Bain and David Bailey frequently mocked to New Orleans .
Signing Fowler would alter that calculus drastically. While the Saints are unlikely to pass on a top-tier talent if one falls into their lap, bringing in a veteran of Fowler’s caliber allows General Manager Mickey Loomis to use the 8th pick on other pressing needs, such as wide receiver or offensive line.
By filling the edge need with a proven commodity like Fowler, the Saints could target a dynamic “X” receiver to pair with Chris Olave, or even a cornerback to bolster the secondary.
The Bottom Line
As the legal tampering period winds down and the summer approaches, Dante Fowler Jr. represents the best remaining value at the defensive end position. He isn’t the star he was projected to be out of Florida, but he remains a highly effective “situational predator.”
For the New Orleans Saints, the math is simple: Carl Granderson is the anchor, but the unit needs a disruptor. In the estimation of Adam Schefter and the Saints’ front office, Dante Fowler is the top option to fill that exact role.
A deal is not yet finalized, but New Orleans is expected to push aggressively to get Fowler under contract before the start of training camp.
