It's been an offseason of significant change for the Dallas Cowboys, particularly on the defensive line. The team has seen key departures but has also made pivotal acquisitions aimed at fortifying their front line. Jerry Jones, the team owner and general manager, swiftly orchestrated moves to compensate for the loss of several essential players.
Key Departures and Acquisitions
The Cowboys' defensive line has been significantly impacted by the departures of edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler both joined the Washington Commanders, while Hankins moved to the Seattle Seahawks and Gallimore found a new home with the Miami Dolphins. These exits left noticeable gaps in Dallas's defensive front.
To address these voids, Jones executed a trade on August 15, exchanging a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick from the New York Giants. This strategic move was quickly followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson.
Linval Joseph Joins the Cowboys
One of the most significant additions to the Cowboys' roster this offseason is 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph, 35, stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 329 pounds, bringing a wealth of experience and physical presence to the team. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has had an illustrious career spanning multiple teams, including the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Over 186 career games, including 170 starts, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Minnesota Vikings and was 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 go up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal.
Mentoring for the Future
Joseph is not only expected to contribute on the field but also play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith, who will benefit from Joseph's extensive experience and leadership, is likely to play a significant part in the Cowboys' plans to bolster their run defense.
Dallas will be looking to improve upon their run defense which allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 16th in the NFL. The addition of seasoned veterans like Joseph and Carl Lawson, combined with emerging talents like Mazi Smith, provides the Cowboys with a blend of experience and potential that should enhance their defensive unit.
Amid the offseason reshuffle, Jerry Jones's aggressive and calculated moves show a clear intention to maintain, if not improve, the strength of the Cowboys' defensive line. While the new acquisitions will need time to gel and adjust to their roles, the potential for an improved defense is apparent.
Only the upcoming season will reveal just how effective these changes have been, but with the groundwork laid, the Cowboys’ defense appears poised for a promising performance.