It's been an offseason of transformation for the Dallas Cowboys defensive line. With several notable departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones was swift to make strategic acquisitions, reinforcing the team's defensive front.
Key Departures Impact the Defensive Line
The offseason saw the Cowboys losing some critical assets, starting with edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler were particularly significant losses, both leaving for the Washington Commanders. This marked a substantial blow as the duo had been integral to Dallas's defensive schemes.
Meanwhile, Hankins took his talents to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore found a new home with the Miami Dolphins. These moves created substantial gaps in the defensive line, necessitating immediate and impactful replacements.
Strategic Acquisitions to Bolster the Line
To address these vacancies, Jones orchestrated a key trade with the New York Giants on August 15, securing veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, along with a future seventh-round pick. This acquisition was only the beginning of a comprehensive strategy to fortify the defensive unit.
Shortly thereafter, the Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding much-needed experience and depth to the pass-rushing corps. However, the most notable addition came with the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
Linval Joseph: A Veteran Presence
Joseph, a former second-round pick by the New York Giants in the 2010 NFL Draft, has had a storied career with multiple teams including the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old brings a wealth of experience and a significant physical presence to the Cowboys' defensive line.
Joseph's career stats are impressive: 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 games, including 170 starts. His performances with the Vikings earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017. Moreover, Joseph was a crucial part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in his second NFL season in 2011.
Joseph’s deal with Dallas is a one-year contract that includes $2.5 million guaranteed, with potential earnings up to $4 million through incentives. This signing signifies the Cowboys' commitment to enhancing their defensive line with experienced and proven talent.
A Key Mentoring Role
Besides his expected on-field contributions, Joseph is anticipated to play a significant mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith, looking to make an immediate impact, will benefit immensely from Joseph’s guidance and veteran insights.
The Cowboys' defense, which allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranked 16th in the NFL. With these new additions, Dallas aims to climb higher in defensive rankings and establish a more formidable front against their opponents' rushing attacks.
In summary, the Cowboys’ offseason moves, orchestrated by Jerry Jones, reflect a deep understanding of the required balance between veteran leadership and fresh talent. While the departures of key players posed challenges, the acquisitions of Phillips, Lawson, and particularly Joseph, offer a renewed sense of optimism for Cowboys fans as the team prepares for the upcoming season.