It's been a transformative offseason for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. With several key departures, the team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has wasted no time in restocking and bolstering the defensive front.
The Cowboys had to bid farewell to some significant talent. Edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., along with defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and interior lineman Neville Gallimore, have all moved on, signing with other NFL teams. Armstrong and Fowler's absences will be felt most acutely, both having departed for the Washington Commanders. Hankins has taken his talents to the Seattle Seahawks, while Gallimore now calls the Miami Dolphins his new home.
Strategic Acquisitions
Jones, keen to address these gaps, executed a strategic move on August 15, trading with the New York Giants for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. The trade involved a 2026 sixth-round pick for Phillips and a future seventh-round pick, signaling the Cowboys' intent to reinforce their interior defense immediately.
Complementing the trade, the Cowboys swiftly signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, bringing seasoned experience and depth to the lineup. However, perhaps the most substantial addition came with the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
Joseph is a name that resonates across the league, having played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. At 35 years old, the 6-foot-4, 329-pound tackle brings a wealth of experience and physical presence to the Cowboys' defensive front.
Veteran Leadership and Impact
Drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, Joseph's career stats are impressive: 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts. His performances earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Vikings, and he was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in just his second NFL season in 2011.
Joseph's contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can reach up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. This signing is expected to shape the team not just on the field but in the locker room as well. Joseph’s mentorship is anticipated to be invaluable for Dallas’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Strengthening the Defensive Metrics
The Cowboys' run defense, which allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season and ranked 16th in the NFL, clearly needed reinforcements. Joseph's proven track record and defensive prowess highlight the Cowboys' strategy to improve these metrics in the upcoming season.
In summation, the Dallas Cowboys' offseason wasn't just marked by high-profile exits but strategic, calculated additions that aim to enhance their defensive line's strength and depth. Veteran players like Linval Joseph bring leadership, experience, and proven performance to a team eager to fortify its defensive capabilities ahead of the new NFL season.