It's been an offseason filled with pivotal changes for the Dallas Cowboys, particularly on their defensive line. The team has faced significant departures but has also made bold moves to retool and fortify the unit under the guidance of team owner and general manager Jerry Jones.
The Cowboys' defensive line took a substantial hit with the exits of key players such as edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler both opted to join the Washington Commanders, while Hankins moved on to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore found a new role with the Miami Dolphins.
Understanding the impact of these losses, Jones acted swiftly to ensure the defensive front remained competitive. On August 15, he orchestrated 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 move highlighted Jones' commitment to restocking and reinforcing the defensive line.
The trade for Phillips was soon followed by another significant addition. The Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, bolstering their pass-rushing capabilities. Despite the influx of new talent, Jones wasn't finished. He further strengthened the defensive line by adding 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph, whose extensive experience and proven track record add tremendous value to the squad.
Joseph's decorated 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 brings both size and skill to the Cowboys' front. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, Joseph has amassed an impressive resume: 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts.
Adding to his accolades, Joseph earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings and was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in his second NFL season in 2011. The Cowboys secured Joseph on a one-year contract, which includes $2.5 million guaranteed and potential earnings up to $4 million with incentives.
Joseph's experience and leadership are anticipated to play a crucial role, not just in game situations but also in mentoring the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. With a shrewd mix of seasoned veterans and young talent, the Cowboys aim to improve their run defense, which allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranking them 16th in the NFL.
As training camp progresses and the new season approaches, the impact of these strategic moves will be closely watched. With Jones at the helm, the Cowboys' offseason efforts reflect a deep commitment to building a formidable defensive line capable of making a significant impact in the upcoming season. Only time will tell how these changes will translate on the field, but the groundwork laid out by the Cowboys' front office suggests a prepared and resilient squad ready to face the challenges ahead.