It's been an offseason of significant changes for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, marked by notable departures and strategic acquisitions aimed at bolstering a unit that performed moderately last season. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has moved swiftly to address the gaps left by departing players, ensuring that the Cowboys remain competitive.
The biggest blows came from the loss of edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., both of whom opted for the Washington Commanders. Their absence, alongside defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins moving to the Seattle Seahawks and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore joining the Miami Dolphins, left substantial voids in the front line.
To counter these departures, Jones executed a trade with the New York Giants on August 15. The deal saw the Cowboys exchange a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. The move quickly transitioned into another significant signing: veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson.
Yet, perhaps the most substantial addition to the defensive line came with the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph's storied career includes stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old is expected to bring both experience and physical presence to the Cowboys.
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has accumulated impressive stats: 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts. His performance has been consistently recognized, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings. Further solidifying his legacy, Joseph was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011.
Joseph's contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can reach up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is anticipated to play a crucial mentoring role, particularly for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Defense was a mixed bag for Dallas last season, with the unit allowing an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, placing them 16th in the NFL. The hope is that Joseph’s presence, alongside new additions like Lawson and Phillips, will significantly enhance the Cowboys' ability to stifle opposing offenses' running plays.
As the offseason activities continue, the Dallas Cowboys have demonstrated a clear and urgent commitment to re-establishing their defensive line strength. Through strategic trades and astute signings, Jerry Jones has not only filled the gaps but also potentially laid the foundation for a more robust and experienced defensive front.