It's been an offseason of transformation for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has not rested on his laurels, making significant moves to bolster a unit that was hit hard by free agency losses.
The Cowboys saw a significant exodus of talent with the departures of edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler made their way to the Washington Commanders, while Hankins joined the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore signed with the Miami Dolphins. These exits left considerable gaps that needed to be filled swiftly and strategically.
Jones responded promptly by orchestrating a trade with the New York Giants on August 15. In exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, the Cowboys acquired veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips along with a future seventh-round pick. This deal helped to reinforce the middle of the defensive line, providing an immediate infusion of experience and talent.
The defensive line shuffle didn't stop there. Recognizing the need for a robust edge presence, the Cowboys signed Carl Lawson, a proven veteran free agent. Lawson's addition brings an extra layer of pass-rushing capability that complements the existing defensive front. However, the most substantial acquisition arrived with the signing of Linval Joseph.
A Key Veteran Addition
Linval Joseph, a 14-year NFL veteran, brings a wealth of experience and a formidable presence to the Cowboys' line. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph has had a distinguished career, including stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts.
Joseph's résumé also includes two Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Minnesota Vikings and a Super Bowl win with the Giants in 2011. His accolades and career stats reflect his ability to impact the game significantly, particularly against the run—a critical area for the Cowboys, who allowed 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 16th in the NFL.
Jones managed to secure Joseph on a one-year deal that guarantees $2.5 million and can escalate to $4 million with incentives. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith, the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick. Smith, a promising talent, stands to benefit immensely from Joseph's tutelage, learning the nuances of the game from a seasoned veteran.
Strategic Moves to Fortify the Defense
The offseason changes reflect Jones's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in a fiercely contested league. The additions of Phillips, Lawson, and especially Joseph are more than mere replacements for the departed players. They represent a calculated strategy to elevate the defensive line's quality and depth, ensuring robust performance throughout the season.
As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season, the revamped defensive line will be under scrutiny. The infusion of veteran talent aims to fortify a unit that encountered challenges last season. If Joseph and his new colleagues can mesh well and provide the expected production, Dallas could see a marked improvement in their run defense and overall defensive efficacy.
In a league where defensive dominance often correlates with team success, the enhancements to the Cowboys' defensive line could very well be the key to a successful season. For fans and analysts alike, the anticipation builds as they wait to see how these offseason moves will translate on the field.