It's been an offseason of significant transformation for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. Amidst notable departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has swiftly acted to replenish and strengthen the team's defensive front.
Key Departures Shake Up Roster
The Cowboys faced substantial losses with 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 both signed with the Washington Commanders, while Hankins moved to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore joined the Miami Dolphins.
Strategic Trades and Signings
In response to these departures, Jones executed a pivotal 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. Not stopping there, the Cowboys bolstered their defense by signing veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson soon after.
Perhaps the most substantial addition was that of Linval Joseph, a 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle. Joseph, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 329 pounds, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Dallas defense. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has built an impressive career, amassing 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts.
During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, Joseph earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017, and he was also a member of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011.
Experienced Veteran to Mentor Rookie
Joseph’s contract includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can increase up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. While his experience and proven track record make him an asset on the field, Joseph is also expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
The Cowboys are looking to improve their run defense, which ranked 16th in the NFL last season, allowing an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game. The addition of Joseph, coupled with the potential growth of Smith, could be key elements in their efforts to shore up this aspect of their game.
In what has been a whirlwind offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, the strategic acquisitions and signings orchestrated by Jerry Jones demonstrate a clear intent to mitigate the loss of key players and inject experienced talent into the defense. As the new season approaches, the impact of these moves will soon be seen on the field.