It's been a whirlwind offseason for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, marked by notable departures and strategic new acquisitions. Amid heavy losses, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has worked swiftly to rebuild a robust defensive front.
The Cowboys have bid farewell to key edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., both of whom have joined the Washington Commanders. The defensive tackle position also suffered with Johnathan Hankins moving to the Seattle Seahawks and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore signing with the Miami Dolphins. The exits of Armstrong and Fowler were particularly impactful, leaving significant gaps in the team’s edge rushing capabilities.
A Swift Response from Jerry Jones
Jones wasted no time addressing these losses. On August 15, he executed 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. This move demonstrated Jones's commitment to maintaining a competitive defensive line despite the offseason upheaval.
Following this trade, the Cowboys added more firepower by signing veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. However, the most substantial addition came with the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph's extensive experience and impressive stats make him a pivotal element in the Cowboys’ defensive strategy for the upcoming season.
Welcoming Linval Joseph
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old Joseph brings a wealth of experience to Dallas. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has enjoyed a storied career, playing for teams like the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Over 186 career games, including 170 starts, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles.
Joseph's presence on the field is formidable, and his leadership off the field is equally valuable. His tenure with the Minnesota Vikings earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017, showcasing his elite defensive skills. Additionally, Joseph was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest levels of competition.
Contract and Expectations
Joseph's contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed, with the potential to rise to $4 million based on incentives in a one-year deal. This investment underscores the Cowboys' belief in his ability to make an immediate impact. Perhaps just as importantly, Joseph is expected to play a key mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith is anticipated to benefit greatly from Joseph's mentorship, both in developing his skills and understanding the nuances of playing in the NFL.
Addressing Defensive Needs
Last season, the Cowboys' run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. The addition of Joseph, known for his run-stopping prowess, aims to bolster this aspect of the Cowboys' game. His ability to anchor the defensive line and absorb multiple blockers will be critical in tightening up the run defense, providing more opportunities for pass rushers to make plays.
Overall, the offseason moves by Jerry Jones signal a proactive approach to ensuring that the Cowboys' defense remains competitive. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent positions Dallas to address its defensive challenges head-on. As the team gears up for the new season, the retooled defensive line will be one to watch.