The Chargers, Ravens are two teams that may sign free agent Demetrius Flannigan Fowles after his release this week. According to reports, the San Francisco 49ers are cleaning up their roster already by releasing weapons such as Flannigan Fowles and tendering some. However, the free agent isn’t the biggest name on the market but considering the cap space, he could be a viable depth piece for any defense. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2019, he spent the entirety of his career with them posting 59 tackles, 1.0 sacks and three passes defensed along with just one interception.
Due to a large depth of linebackers which includes Fred Warner and Dee Winters, Flannigan Fowles hasn’t been able to make a huge impact on the 49ers’ defense. However, he could earn a backup role to get in rotation in the linebacker unit. Everyone on the market has their eyes set on Dre Greenlaw, but they should look closely for a guy like Fowles who could be a dependable option to open the pass rush and fill the gaps. As he won’t attract a lot of teams as soon as free agency opens, the Chargers, Ravens could swoop him in as a last-minute signing to their roster.
Chargers, Ravens Could Sign Former Undrafted Bust Demetrius Flannigan Fowles After Release
Big Bank in LA
Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to build an old-school football defense to his liking and he has the financial advantage this offseason to make that happen. However, they’re going to lose some key contributors in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa if they don’t offer a new contract already. Despite that, the Chargers were able to survive into this year’s wild card with new additions of Teair Tart and Poona Ford. It seems like any defensive lineman or linebacker who lands with Jesse Minter’s philosophy can get the best experience with the Chargers.
The same case could be for Flannigan Fowles if Bosa truly gets cut as soon as the new league year begins. While they will try their chances in this year’s draft, they should add solid depth in the pass-rushing department. Harbaugh could have the mindset to unlock something explosive to Flannigan Fowles as he did with Tart and Ford. He won’t cost much towards the cap space for the Chargers since they have money to burn for weeks.
More Trenches Experience
As for the Ravens, the defense continues to get younger after losing Jadeveon Clowney last offseason due to him being a cap casualty. They’ve had to rely on a guy like Trenton Simpson to keep up with Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith. However, this was unsuccessful as Simpson is more of a bust than something that the Ravens were hoping to get out of. David Ojabo in the rotation didn’t help much as a depth piece but Odafe Oweh did show signs of life to build a steady bridge to get after the quarterback.
Flannigan Fowles won’t be a starter on this team but considering their cap space, they don’t have the freedom to spend like the Chargers. Perhaps, they could sign Fowles on a one-year deal to experiment while they keep an eye out for veteran insurance.
