It's been a whirlwind offseason for the Dallas Cowboys as significant changes have shaken up their defensive line. In a bid to bolster their defense amid several key departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones have been quick to react, initiating strategic trades and signings to restock the ranks.
The Cowboys faced the loss of several crucial players, with edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior lineman Neville Gallimore all finding new homes. The departures of Armstrong and Fowler, who both joined the Washington Commanders, were particularly impactful. Hankins took his talents to the Seattle Seahawks, while Gallimore signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Swift Moves by Jones
In response to these departures, Jones didn't waste any time. On August 15, he orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants, parting with a 2026 sixth-round pick to acquire veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, along with a future seventh-round pick. This move appeared to be just the beginning of Jones's plan to revitalize the defensive front.
Shortly after the trade, the Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding another experienced player to their roster. However, it was the substantial addition of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph that truly reinforced the defensive line.
Linval Joseph: A Proven Asset
Linval Joseph's arrival comes with a resume that speaks volumes. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has had an illustrious career spanning multiple teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. The 35-year-old stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 329 pounds, bringing both size and experience to the Cowboys.
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 performance earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Vikings, and he was a pivotal part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in 2011.
Joseph signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys, which includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can escalate to $4 million through incentives. Beyond his on-field capabilities, Joseph is expected to play a key mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Filling the Gaps
The Cowboys' defensive renovations aim to address the gaps exposed last season. Dallas's run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. By integrating seasoned players like Joseph and Lawson, the Cowboys are poised to enhance their defensive fortitude.
While the offseason brought significant changes and challenges, the proactive moves by Jerry Jones reflect a commitment to maintaining a strong defensive lineup. The integration of veteran expertise alongside young talent like Mazi Smith sets a promising stage for the Cowboys as they gear up for the upcoming season.
The forthcoming games will reveal whether these strategic decisions translate into improved defensive performance, but there's no denying that the Cowboys have made calculated moves to strengthen their position. As the new lineup takes shape, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the revamped defensive line rises to the occasion.