It's been an offseason of transformation for the Dallas Cowboys, especially concerning their defensive line. Amid the flux, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has moved swiftly to rebuild and strengthen the defensive front, which has suffered some notable departures.
Notable Exits Shake the Defense
The Cowboys lost key defensive players such as edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior lineman Neville Gallimore, all of whom have moved on to other NFL teams. Particularly impactful were the exits of Armstrong and Fowler, who both joined the Washington Commanders, a division rival. Hankins has taken his talents to the Seattle Seahawks, while Gallimore has signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Strategic Moves to Reinforce the Line
In response to these significant losses, Jones orchestrated a series of tactical moves aimed at replenishing the defensive line. On August 15, the Cowboys executed a trade with the New York Giants, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This move underscored the urgency to bolster the roster with experienced talent.
Shortly after, the Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. Lawson, known for his tenacity and skill, is expected to bring immediate impact to the defense, filling some of the void left by Armstrong and Fowler.
A Veteran Presence: Linval Joseph
Perhaps the most substantial addition to the Cowboys' defensive line is the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. With an impressive resume, including stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills, Joseph brings a wealth of experience to the table. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old has been a formidable presence on the field since being selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
Over his 186 career games, including 170 starts, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. His prowess was further recognized with Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his time with the Vikings. Additionally, Joseph was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011. He arrives in Dallas on a one-year deal that guarantees $2.5 million, with the potential to earn up to $4 million with incentives.
Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond his on-field capabilities, Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith, who is a promising talent, stands to benefit significantly from Joseph’s guidance and experience. The veteran's leadership is anticipated to be invaluable as the Cowboys aim to solidify their defensive front and enhance their overall defensive performance.
Improving the Run Defense
Last season, the Cowboys' run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. This middling performance highlights the need for the recent moves aimed at fortifying the defensive line. With the addition of proven veterans like Joseph and Phillips, as well as the signing of Lawson, the Cowboys are clearly prioritizing the improvement of their run defense.
As the new season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys' revamped defensive line, anchored by seasoned veterans and promising new talent, will be closely watched. Jerry Jones’s swift and strategic actions underscore the team’s commitment to maintaining a robust and competitive defensive unit, one that will no doubt be key to their success in the coming year.