Back in March, the Dallas Cowboys faced intense pressure from fans and media to make a splash in free agency. The rallying cry was clear: “Do something!” One name floated as a potential game-changer was Joey Bosa, a five-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher recently released by the Los Angeles Chargers. Pairing Bosa with Micah Parsons seemed like a dream scenario—a move that could make fans forget the departure of DeMarcus Lawrence and solidify the Cowboys’ defensive front. But there was a glaring red flag: Bosa’s injury history.
Fast forward to today, and Cowboys fans are breathing a sigh of relief, thankful that owner Jerry Jones didn’t chase the shiny but risky prize. Instead, Jones opted for a reunion with Dante Fowler Jr., a decision that’s looking smarter by the day. Here’s why passing on Bosa might just be one of the best moves the Cowboys didn’t make.
The Allure of Joey Bosa
Joey Bosa is undeniably elite when healthy. His resume boasts five Pro Bowl appearances and a reputation as one of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushers during his tenure with the Chargers. The idea of lining him up opposite Micah Parsons was tantalizing—a duo that could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and elevate Dallas’ defense to new heights. The Chargers’ decision to release Bosa was driven by salary cap constraints and persistent injury concerns, making him an attractive, albeit risky, free-agent target.
For a fanbase hungry for big moves, signing Bosa seemed like the perfect way to silence critics and address the void left by Lawrence’s departure. But as the old adage goes, sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t make.
The Injury Red Flag
Bosa’s talent is unquestionable, but his availability is another story. Over the past three seasons, he has missed 22 of 50 games, a staggering 44% absence rate. His latest setback came this week when his new team, the Buffalo Bills, announced that Bosa would miss all offseason activities due to a calf injury. This news only reinforces the concerns that have plagued him in recent years. For a team like the Cowboys, banking on a player with such a spotty injury history could have been a costly gamble.
Dante Fowler Jr.: The Smarter Choice
Instead of chasing Bosa’s star power, Jerry Jones brought back a familiar face in Dante Fowler Jr., a move that prioritizes reliability and value. Fowler, who signed with Dallas for roughly half of Bosa’s $12 million one-year deal with the Bills, brings a proven track record of durability and production. Unlike Bosa, Fowler hasn’t missed a single regular-season game in recent years, providing the consistency the Cowboys need.
Fowler’s impact was undeniable last season with the Washington Commanders, where he led Dan Quinn’s resurgent defense with an impressive 10.5 sacks. His familiarity with Quinn’s defensive scheme and his ability to stay on the field make him a perfect fit for a Cowboys team looking to build on its defensive strengths.
The Cost of Flash vs. Substance
Bosa’s $12 million contract with the Bills might have seemed like a bargain for a player of his caliber, but it’s a steep price for someone who may not see the field consistently. In contrast, Fowler’s cost-effective deal allows the Cowboys to allocate resources elsewhere while still getting a high-impact player. As Jerry Jones might put it, Fowler is the “substantive” choice over Bosa’s flashier but riskier allure.
A Bullet Dodged
The Cowboys’ decision to avoid Bosa and reunite with Fowler is a reminder that sometimes restraint is the best strategy. While Bosa’s name carries weight, his injury-prone career could have derailed Dallas’ defensive plans. Fowler, on the other hand, offers reliability, production, and a budget-friendly contract—qualities that align perfectly with the team’s needs.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, fans can rest easy knowing their team dodged a potential disaster. Joey Bosa may be a five-time Pro Bowler, but Dante Fowler Jr. might just be the key to keeping Dallas’ defense strong and steady. In this case, the Cowboys’ best move was the one they didn’t make.