The Dallas Cowboys have undergone a significant transformation on their defensive line this offseason. In a paradigm shift, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been proactive in addressing a series of high-profile departures. Notably, the Cowboys have seen the exit of key players such as edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore.
Armstrong and Fowler's moves to the Washington Commanders have been a particularly tough pill to swallow for the Cowboys. Meanwhile, Hankins has taken his talents to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore is now a part of the Miami Dolphins. These losses left considerable gaps in a unit that has been pivotal for the team's defensive efforts.
Strategic Moves to Strengthen the Line
Jerry Jones acted swiftly to counteract these losses. On August 15, the Cowboys orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants, acquiring veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a future seventh-round pick. Phillips, with his extensive experience, is expected to bring both skill and leadership to Dallas's defensive front.
Shortly after securing Phillips, the Cowboys announced the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. This move signals the team's aggressive approach to maintaining a competitive edge, especially in light of the recent departures of their top edge rushers.
A Veteran Joins the Ranks: Linval Joseph
Arguably the most significant addition to the Cowboys' defensive line this offseason is Linval Joseph. The 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle brings 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, Joseph has a commanding presence on the field.
Joseph was a second-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants and has accumulated an impressive stat line over his career. His resume includes 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and a striking 676 total tackles across 186 career games, of which he started 170. Joseph’s accolades include Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017, both achieved during his tenure with the Vikings.
In addition to his individual accomplishments, Joseph was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in his second NFL season in 2011, further solidifying his reputation as a seasoned and battle-tested player. His one-year contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed, with incentives that could push the total value to $4 million.
Mentorship and Defensive Improvement
Beyond his expected on-field contributions, Joseph is also anticipated to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The presence of a seasoned veteran like Joseph could be instrumental in the development of younger players like Smith, providing them with the guidance and experience needed to thrive in the NFL.
The Cowboys' defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, which ranked 16th in the NFL. The addition of seasoned veterans like Joseph and Phillips is aimed at shoring up a run defense that had its fair share of struggles. With these strategic moves, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' front office have shown a clear commitment to fortifying the team's defensive capabilities.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the impact of these new acquisitions will be closely watched. With a mix of seasoned leadership and youthful potential, the retooled defensive line aims to be a formidable unit, capable of making significant contributions to the team's overall success. The offseason changes underscore a pivotal moment for the Cowboys, reflecting both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead.