It's been an offseason of considerable change for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. Amid significant departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has swiftly moved to restock and reinforce the defensive front.
The Cowboys faced the loss of key players, including edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler's transition to the Washington Commanders was particularly impactful, further depleting the roster. In addition, Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore joined the Miami Dolphins.
Strategic Moves
Jones wasted little time responding to these exits. On August 15, he orchestrated a significant trade with the New York Giants. In exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, the Cowboys acquired veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This move added depth and experience to the line.
Not stopping there, Jones also secured the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. These acquisitions are part of a broader strategy designed to stabilize and strengthen the defensive front ahead of the new season.
Adding a Veteran Presence
Among the most substantial additions is the signing of Linval Joseph, a 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle. Joseph brings an impressive resume, having previously played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old Joseph was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
Over his 186 career games, including 170 starts, Joseph has amassed 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. His standout performances earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, he was an integral part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011.
The Cowboys signed Joseph to a one-year deal that includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can reach up to $4 million with incentives. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the team looks to improve its defensive setup.
Bolstering Run Defense
One of the areas the Cowboys are keen to address is their run defense, which allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 16th in the NFL. The additions of Phillips, Lawson, and Joseph signify a concerted effort to bolster this aspect of their play. Particularly, Joseph's presence in the middle of the line is anticipated to plug gaps that were previously exploited.
Jones’s actions reflect the urgency and determination of the Cowboys to maintain a competitive defensive line. The rapid response to player departures and the strategic acquisitions indicate a proactive approach to team building.
As the new season approaches, the focal point will be how quickly these new additions can integrate into the team and perform under game conditions. With the blend of experienced veterans and upcoming talents, the Cowboys are gearing up to make their defensive line a formidable force.
The season will put these tactical moves to the test, as the revamped defensive front aims to support the Cowboys in their pursuit of success. The blend of seasoned professionals like Joseph and promising rookies like Smith could be the key to fortifying the defense, ultimately determining how far the team can go.