It's been a transformative offseason for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. In the wake of significant departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been proactive in bolstering the team's defensive front. The loss of pivotal players such as edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., as well as defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and interior lineman Neville Gallimore, left noticeable gaps in the line-up. Armstrong and Fowler both found new homes with the Washington Commanders, Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore moved to the Miami Dolphins.
Jones wasted no time in making strategic moves to reinforce the defensive unit. 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 was swiftly followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding experience and depth to the team's edge.
Among the most notable additions is 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The seasoned player brings a wealth of experience to the Cowboys, having previously played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Linval Joseph: A Veteran Presence
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old Joseph is not only a massive physical presence but also a seasoned leader. Drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, Joseph has a remarkable career portfolio that includes 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, with 170 starts.
Joseph's accolades include Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. One of the highlights of his career was being a part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011. His extensive experience and proven track record make him a critical addition to the Cowboys' defensive line.
Joseph signed a contract that guarantees him $2.5 million and could potentially earn him up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. Aside from his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a vital mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Impact on Cowboys’ Run Defense
Dallas's run defense last season allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, positioning it 16th in the NFL. The addition of a seasoned player like Joseph is expected to bolster the defensive line's efficiency against the run.
Joseph's presence in the locker room and on the field is anticipated to bring significant benefits, both in terms of performance and leadership. As the Cowboys aim to strengthen their defensive front, the experience and strategic acumen of veterans like Joseph and Phillips will be instrumental.
In an offseason defined by change and quick responses to significant departures, the Cowboys have managed to assemble a revamped defensive line with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. How well these new additions will gel with the existing roster remains to be seen, but the strategic moves made by Jerry Jones indicate a clear focus on fortifying the team’s defensive capabilities.
As the season progresses, the effectiveness of these acquisitions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The Cowboys have not only reloaded their defensive line but also potentially set themselves up for renewed competitiveness in the upcoming NFL season.
The coming games will reveal whether the fresh defensive lineup can stand up to the rigors of NFL offenses, and potentially rock steady the foundation of a side looking to compete at the highest level.