It's been a tumultuous offseason for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, marked by significant departures and swift reinforcements orchestrated by team owner and general manager Jerry Jones. The Cowboys faced a series of key player exits, necessitating urgent and strategic moves to bolster their defensive front.
The Cowboys' defensive line saw major losses with edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr. both joining the Washington Commanders. The departure wave continued as defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore moved to the Miami Dolphins. These exits left notable gaps in the Cowboys' defense, particularly intensified by the loss of Armstrong and Fowler.
Jones responded promptly by orchestrating a trade on August 15 with the New York Giants, in which Dallas exchanged a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This move was followed by the acquisition of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding crucial experience and skill to the team’s defensive arsenal.
A Cavalry of Experience
The Cowboys made a significant addition by signing seasoned NFL defensive tackle Linval Joseph. With 14 years in the league, Joseph has built an impressive resume, having played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph brings both physical presence and veteran savvy to the Cowboys' defense.
Drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph's career has been marked by consistent performance and leadership. Over 186 career games, including 170 starts, he has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. Joseph's elite performance was recognized with Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his time with the Vikings, and he was a pivotal part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011.
Joseph's contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and could reach up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a pivotal mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The experienced veteran's guidance could be invaluable as Smith transitions to the NFL level.
Focus on Run Defense
Last season, the Cowboys' run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. With the recent personnel changes and the addition of Joseph, the Cowboys aim to improve this aspect of their defense. Joseph's ability to anchor the defensive line and disrupt opposing offenses’ running games will be essential in achieving this goal.
In summary, the Dallas Cowboys have faced a challenging offseason marked by the departure of key defensive line players. However, under the strategic direction of Jerry Jones, the team has swiftly moved to fill these gaps with experienced, high-caliber replacements. Linval Joseph's arrival not only bolsters the defensive line but also brings invaluable experience and leadership. As the Cowboys look to the upcoming season, these acquisitions will be crucial in their quest to fortify the defensive front and improve their overall performance.