It's been an offseason of significant change for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. In a series of roster shakeups, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has swiftly moved to restock and reinforce the defensive front after the departure of several key players.
The absence of edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., as well as defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, left noticeable gaps. Armstrong and Fowler both signed with the Washington Commanders, Hankins joined the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore found a new home with the Miami Dolphins.
Strategic Moves
Reacting quickly to the departures, Jones executed a strategic trade with the New York Giants on August 15. The Cowboys traded a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. Not stopping there, Jones also signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, bolstering the defensive edge further.
The Cowboys made a substantial addition to their roster with the signing of Linval Joseph, a 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle. Joseph comes with a wealth of experience, 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, the 35-year-old was a significant acquisition for the Cowboys’ defense.
Joseph's career has been marked by notable achievements. He was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants and was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in his second NFL season in 2011. Over his career, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles in 186 games, including 170 starts. His performance earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Minnesota Vikings.
Impact and Expectations
The deal signed by Joseph with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can go up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year contract. His experience is expected to play a key mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Last season, the Dallas run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. The addition of Joseph, along with the other moves made by Jones, aims to address this area and provide a stronger defensive front for the upcoming season.
Joseph’s experience, coupled with his physical presence on the field, is expected to elevate the Cowboys' defensive capabilities. His role is not only to perform on the field but also to provide guidance and mentorship to younger players, particularly Mazi Smith, setting up a promising defensive strategy for the Cowboys.
With the new additions, the Cowboys are poised for a revamped defensive lineup, ready to make an impact in the coming season. The offseason changes reflect a proactive approach by Jones and the management, ensuring that the team remains competitive and resilient in what promises to be an exciting NFL season.