It's been an offseason of change for the Dallas Cowboys defensive line. With notable departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has swiftly made impactful decisions to rejuvenate the defensive front.
The Departures
The Cowboys have had to bid farewell to several key defensive players. Edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr. have both moved on to the Washington Commanders. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins has signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and interior lineman Neville Gallimore has joined the Miami Dolphins.
These departures have left significant gaps in the Cowboys' defensive strategy, particularly the losses of Armstrong and Fowler. Their contributions were vital in previous seasons, and replacing their prowess required strategic maneuvers from the Cowboys' management.
The New Acquisitions
In response to these departures, Jerry Jones executed a trade with the New York Giants on August 15. The Cowboys exchanged a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. Phillips' arrival was a crucial step in shoring up the defensive line. However, Jones wasn't finished with team enhancements.
Shortly after the trade, the Cowboys announced the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. This move further demonstrated the team's commitment to maintaining a robust defensive front.
Perhaps the most significant addition was the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph's extensive NFL experience spans multiple teams, including the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Linval Joseph's Career and Impact
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old Joseph brings a wealth of experience to the Cowboys. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has accumulated an impressive career stat line. Over 186 career games, which include 170 starts, he has recorded 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles.
Joseph's accolades include Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, he was part of the Giants’ Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011. Such achievements underscore his capability and leadership on the field.
Joseph's contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can go up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. This investment signifies the team's expectation of his immediate impact, both on and off the field.
Mentorship and Future Contributions
Joseph's role extends beyond his on-field performance. He is expected to play a key mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Guiding a young talent like Smith could prove invaluable, as Smith seeks to establish himself in the NFL.
The Cowboys’ run defense last season allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. Joseph's addition aims to fortify this aspect of the game, with the hope of elevating the team's defensive standing in the league.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys have adeptly navigated an offseason filled with challenges, relying on strategic acquisitions and valuable experience to strengthen their defensive line. The arrival of veterans like Linval Joseph signifies a blend of immediate performance and long-term mentorship, essential for sustaining competitiveness in the NFL.