It's been an offseason of considerable change for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, marked by significant departures and pivotal acquisitions.
The Cowboys witnessed notable exits this offseason, losing key players such as edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Both Armstrong and Fowler found new opportunities with the Washington Commanders, Hankins moved on to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore signed with the Miami Dolphins. These losses necessitated immediate and strategic moves from team owner and general manager Jerry Jones to restock and reinforce the defensive front.
Strategic Trades and Key Signings
In response to these departures, Jones swiftly executed a trade with the New York Giants on August 15, exchanging a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This strategic trade was promptly followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, further solidifying the defensive line.
One of the most substantial additions this offseason has been the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph's extensive experience includes stints with 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 size and skill to the Cowboys' defensive unit.
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has accumulated an impressive career resume with 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 games, including 170 starts. His performance with the Vikings earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017, further highlighting his credentials.
Experience and Mentorship
Joseph's signing is not just about his on-field abilities. The 35-year-old veteran is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. With a contract that includes $2.5 million guaranteed and potential earnings of up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal, Joseph's presence is poised to be both impactful and educational for the younger talent on the roster.
Looking back, Joseph was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011. His wealth of experience, both in regular-season and playoff competition, is invaluable to a Cowboys team aiming to solidify its defensive front and improve upon last season's performance. Dallas's run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 16th in the NFL, indicating room for improvement. Joseph's contributions could be pivotal in tightening up the run defense and bringing a veteran presence to the locker room.
As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season, the combination of strategic trades and the acquisition of seasoned veterans like Jordan Phillips and Linval Joseph underscores the team's commitment to bolstering the defensive line. These moves reflect Jerry Jones's proactive approach to ensuring the Cowboys remain competitive and resilient in the face of significant offseason changes.
The anticipation for the coming season is high, with fans eager to see how these new additions will integrate into the existing roster. The blend of youthful promise and veteran leadership could be the key to a successful defensive strategy for the Cowboys as they navigate the challenges of the NFL season ahead.