Fletcher, at 35 the oldest player in the AFL, began his career with the Bombers in 1993 and has played in two premierships.
Howlett was selected with pick 30 in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft at the end of 2010 and played 15 matches this season. He has now been elevated to the senior list.
Essendon general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the club was delighted to secure a player of Fletcher’s calibre.
“It’s wonderful to see Dustin commit to another season at the club,” he said.
“He has been a wonderful player over a long period of time and also provides us with some leadership in the defensive group.
“We are really happy that he has agreed on terms to go on for another 12 months and who knows after that - with Dustin we have come to learn that you don’t put any limits on him.”
Hamilton said Howlett, 21, “has had to work hard for the opportunity to play AFL football but he has grabbed that and we believe he will be a good player for the years to come”.
