It's been an offseason of transformation for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. Amid substantial departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones acted swiftly to restock and bolster the team's defensive front.
The Cowboys were hit hard by the loss of several key players. Among those who departed were edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler's exits were particularly impactful, as both players joined division rivals, the Washington Commanders. Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks, while Gallimore found a new home with the Miami Dolphins.
Determined to maintain a competitive defensive line, Jones wasted no time in making strategic moves. On August 15, he orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This move was quickly followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, further shoring up the defensive front.
Linval Joseph Bolsters Defensive Line
One of the most substantial additions to the Cowboys' defense was the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph, a seasoned player who has previously suited up for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Dallas.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old Joseph was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants. Throughout his illustrious career, he has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts. Joseph's impressive resume includes Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Vikings, and he was a 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 can ascend to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Joseph’s leadership and expertise will be invaluable as Smith begins his professional journey.
Addressing Defensive Concerns
Last season, the Cowboys' run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, placing them 16th in the NFL. While this statistic might not seem alarming, it underscored a need for improvement. With the incoming experience and proficiency of players like Joseph, Phillips, and Lawson, the team's defensive front is poised for an enhanced performance this coming season.
Particularly, the addition of Joseph serves as a robust counter to the losses of Armstrong, Fowler, and Hankins. His presence in the middle of the line will not only fortify the run defense but also serve as a pillar of solidity around which the younger defensive linemen can develop. By integrating seasoned veterans with promising young talents, the Cowboys are strategically positioning themselves to become a more formidable force on defense.
As training camp progresses and the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on how these new additions assimilate into the Cowboys' defensive scheme. Jerry Jones’ swift actions have injected new life into a defensive line that faced significant uncertainty just weeks ago. With these calculated moves, the Cowboys aim to not only replace what was lost but to exceed past performances and set a new standard for defensive excellence.