It's been an offseason of change for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, with significant departures leading to swift moves by team owner and general manager Jerry Jones to restock and reinforce the team's defensive front.
The Cowboys felt the sting of losing 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 departures were particularly impactful, as both players joined the Washington Commanders, leaving substantial gaps in the Cowboys' edge rushing capabilities. Hankins moved on to the Seattle Seahawks, while Gallimore found his new home with the Miami Dolphins.
Rebuild Initiated
Jones wasted no time in addressing the newly formed voids. On August 15, he executed a trade with the New York Giants, exchanging a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This strategic move added beef to the interior defensive line and brought in valuable experience. The turnover didn’t stop there as Jones swiftly followed up by signing veteran free-agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding further depth and pass-rushing capability to the roster.
However, it was the acquisition of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph that marked the Cowboys' most substantial addition. Joseph’s extensive playing career includes stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old Joseph brings a formidable presence to the Cowboys’ defensive front.
Proven Experience
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph's career numbers speak volumes about his impact on the field. Over 186 career games, including 170 starts, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. His consistent performance earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while playing for the Minnesota Vikings, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier defensive tackle.
Joseph's championship pedigree is another attribute he brings to the Cowboys' locker room, having been part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011. His vast experience and leadership skills are expected to play a key mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The young Smith, who is seen as a cornerstone for the future of the Cowboys’ defensive line, stands to benefit greatly from Joseph's guidance.
Financial Commitment
In a reflection of his value, Joseph signed a contract that includes $2.5 million guaranteed, with potential earnings up to $4 million through incentives on a one-year deal. This financial commitment underlines the trust the Cowboys' management places in Joseph's ability to deliver both on the field and as a mentor to younger players.
Bringing in Joseph and Lawson, along with the trade for Phillips, are all moves aimed at shoring up a Cowboys run defense that allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 16th in the NFL. Clearly, Jones is determined to address these deficiencies and elevate the squad's defensive performance.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the rejuvenated defensive line will be under the spotlight. Jones’s strategic off-season moves reflect an understanding of the need for both immediate impact and long-term development on the defensive front. With seasoned veterans like Joseph leading the way and promising young talent like Mazi Smith in tow, the Cowboys' defense is poised for a potentially transformative season ahead.