The Dallas Cowboys have experienced a whirlwind offseason marked by significant changes to their defensive line. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been swift in responding to these shifts, initiating bold moves to maintain the strength of the Cowboys' defensive front.
The Cowboys faced notable departures, losing edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr. to the Washington Commanders. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins moved on to the Seattle Seahawks, while interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore joined the Miami Dolphins. These exits left critical gaps in the Cowboys' defense, prompting Jones to act swiftly.
Strategic Acquisitions
On August 15, Jones orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants, acquiring veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. This transaction also came with a future seventh-round pick from the Giants. However, Jones wasn’t done yet. The same period saw the signing of free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, bringing a fresh dynamic to the Cowboys' pass rush contingent.
These additions were shortly followed by the signing of Linval Joseph, a substantial acquisition for the Cowboys. Joseph brings to Dallas a wealth of experience from his 14 seasons in the NFL, having played for teams like the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. At 35 years old, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph's imposing presence is expected to bolster the Cowboys' defensive interior.
A Storied Career
Joseph's NFL journey began in 2010 when he was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Over his illustrious career, he has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles across 186 games, including 170 starts. His standout performances earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings.
A highlight of Joseph's career was being part of the Giants team that won the Super Bowl in his second NFL season in 2011. These accomplishments underscore the extensive experience and leadership he brings to the Dallas Cowboys.
Joseph's contract with the Cowboys underscores the team's confidence in his abilities. The one-year deal includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can reach up to $4 million with incentives. His role is not just expected to be on the field; Joseph is poised to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Building a Robust Defense
Dallas's defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, placing them 16th in the NFL. The loss of key defensive players threatened to expose this vulnerability further. However, the additions of Phillips, Lawson, and Joseph aim to solidify the defensive front and improve the team's run-stopping capabilities.
Joseph's influence is anticipated to extend beyond his performance. His experience and insights are invaluable assets for grooming young talents like Smith. As the Cowboys rebuild their defensive line, the blend of seasoned veterans and promising rookies form a crucial part of the strategy to enhance team performance.
With these strategic moves, Jerry Jones has showcased a proactive approach, ensuring the Cowboys remain competitive in the face of significant roster changes. The upcoming season will reveal how these additions mesh with the existing team and whether they can elevate the Dallas defense to new heights.