It's been an offseason of significant changes for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, as the team undergoes a strategic overhaul led by owner and general manager Jerry Jones. Facing the challenge of replacing key departing players, Jones has swiftly moved to restock and reinforce the defense, ensuring the team's readiness for the upcoming season.
Key Departures Create Void
The Cowboys' offseason saw the exit of several influential defensive linemen who found new homes with other NFL teams. Notably, edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr. have signed with the Washington Commanders. Their departure particularly stings given their essential role in Dallas's pass rush last season.
Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks, while interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore joined the Miami Dolphins. These departures have left noticeable gaps in the Cowboys' defensive front, necessitating immediate and strategic acquisitions to maintain a competitive edge.
Strategic Replacements
Jones wasted little time addressing these vacancies, beginning with a strategic trade executed on August 15. The Cowboys acquired veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips from the New York Giants in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. The trade also included a future seventh-round pick, reflecting Jones's forward-thinking approach.
Shortly after the trade, the Cowboys bolstered their defensive line by signing veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. These moves were augmented by a substantial addition: the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
Adding Experience and Skill
Linval Joseph brings a wealth of experience and proven skills to the Cowboys' defensive line. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old Joseph has had an impressive NFL career since being selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. His career boasts 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 games, including 170 starts.
Joseph's tenure includes Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Minnesota Vikings, and he was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011. His presence on the field is expected to be not only impactful in terms of performance but also invaluable in providing mentorship to the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
The contract signed by Joseph includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can go up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. This acquisition represents a calculated risk by Jones, banking on Joseph's ability to both anchor the defense and mentor emerging talents.
Shoring Up the Defense
Dallas's need to reinforce their defensive line is underscored by last season's performance, where their run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking them 16th in the NFL. The infusion of experienced and skilled players like Joseph aims to address these vulnerabilities.
As the Cowboys gear up for the forthcoming season, the moves orchestrated by Jerry Jones demonstrate a clear intent to strengthen the team's defense. By integrating seasoned veterans with promising young talent, Dallas is positioned to not only fill the void left by key departures but also build a formidable defensive front capable of competing at the highest level.
With these strategic acquisitions, the Cowboys' defense will be under the spotlight, testing the effectiveness of Jones's offseason maneuvers as the team strives to reach new heights this season.