It's been an offseason of significant change for the Dallas Cowboys defensive line. Amidst the departures of important players, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has acted swiftly to restock and reinforce the defensive front.
Notable Departures
The Cowboys have seen a mass exodus of key contributors from last season. Edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr. have both joined the Washington Commanders, which marks a significant hit to the team’s pass-rushing capabilities. Additionally, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins has moved on to the Seattle Seahawks, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore has signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Armstrong and Fowler's departures are particularly impactful given their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and pivotal roles within Dallas’s defensive game plan. This left a gaping hole in the Cowboys’ defensive lineup that required immediate attention.
New Additions
In response, Jerry Jones has made a series of strategic moves. On August 15, Jones completed 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. Phillips brings experience and a stabilizing presence to a defensive line in need of both.
Shortly after the trade, the Cowboys secured the services of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. This signing adds depth and veteran savvy to the defensive end position, reassuring fans and teammates alike about the team’s pass-rushing potential.
The Linval Joseph Signing
The most substantial acquisition for the Cowboys this offseason is undoubtedly the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph has an impressive resume, having played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph brings a formidable physical presence to Dallas’s defensive front.
Joseph entered the NFL as a second-round pick by the New York Giants in the 2010 NFL Draft. Over his storied career, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts. His accolades include Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings and a Super Bowl win with the Giants in his second season in 2011.
The contract Joseph signed with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can top out at $4 million with incentives over the one-year deal. This indicates the team’s commitment to bolstering their run defense and leadership in the locker room.
Mentoring Role for Mazi Smith
Joseph is also expected to play a pivotal mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. As the Cowboys look to the future, the combination of Joseph's seasoned experience and Smith’s youthful potential presents an exciting prospect for their defensive line.
Last season, Dallas’s run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking a mediocre 16th in the NFL. The addition of Joseph aims to improve these numbers significantly, leveraging his skill set to shore up the middle of the defense.
With these swift and strategic moves, Jerry Jones has demonstrated his commitment to maintaining a competitive defensive front despite the departure of several key players. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent like Smith could provide the Cowboys with the balance they need to enhance their performance on the defensive side of the ball this upcoming season.