It's been an offseason of considerable upheaval for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. With several core players departing, owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been swift in fortifying the squad to ensure they're ready for the upcoming season.
Significant Departures
The Cowboys faced substantial losses with the exits of edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., both aligning with the Washington Commanders. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins left for the Seattle Seahawks, while interior lineman Neville Gallimore signed on with the Miami Dolphins. These moves left voids in key positions that needed immediate attention.
The ripple effects were felt most acutely with the departures of Armstrong and Fowler. Known for their tenacity on the edge, their absences created a pressing need for replacements who could bring both veteran savvy and fresh energy to the team.
Immediate Reinforcements
Taking swift action, Jerry Jones orchestrated a series of moves to bolster the team's defensive line. On August 15, Jones completed 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 strategic trade added depth and experience to the Cowboys' defensive front.
Shortly thereafter, the Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. Known for his ability to disrupt opposing backfields, Lawson brings a wealth of experience and a knack for getting to the quarterback. His addition was seen as a pivotal step in re-establishing the team's edge rush capability.
A Major Acquisition
Perhaps the most notable addition to the Cowboys' defensive line came with the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The 35-year-old Joseph, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, has a decorated career that includes stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Selected by the Giants in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Joseph has made a notable impact throughout his career. With 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games (including 170 starts), Joseph’s resume speaks for itself. His stellar performance earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, and he was a critical part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in 2011.
Joseph’s one-year contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can escalate to $4 million with incentives. His experience and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role not just on the field but also in mentoring Dallas's 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Looking Ahead
The revamped defensive line will be under scrutiny as the Cowboys aim to improve upon their run defense, which allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, placing them 16th in the NFL. The infusion of new talent, coupled with the guidance of seasoned veterans like Joseph, is poised to elevate the Cowboys’ defensive capabilities. The cohesive blend of youth and experience could potentially transform this unit into a formidable force in the upcoming season.
With these critical offseason moves, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys appear committed to addressing their defensive vulnerabilities. The efforts to bring in experienced players like Jordan Phillips, Carl Lawson, and Linval Joseph reflect a strategy aimed at both immediate impact and long-term development. The success of these additions will play a significant role in determining the Cowboys' defensive prowess as they prepare to embark on a new NFL season.