The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of an eventful offseason, marked by significant changes to their defensive line. Following key departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has taken swift action to rebuild and fortify the defensive front.
Among the notable losses are edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., as well as defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and interior lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler have joined the Washington Commanders, while Hankins has moved to the Seattle Seahawks and Gallimore has signed with the Miami Dolphins. These exits have left notable gaps in the Cowboys' defensive lineup, emphasizing the need for reinforcements.
Strategic Moves by Jerry Jones
On August 15, Jerry Jones executed a strategic trade with the New York Giants. The Cowboys exchanged a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This move added experienced depth to the defensive tackle position.
Following this trade, the Cowboys quickly signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. These acquisitions were followed by a significant addition: 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph's extensive experience in the league, having played for teams such as the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills, makes him a critical addition to the Cowboys’ roster.
Linval Joseph: A Veteran Presence
Linval Joseph, a 35-year-old defensive tackle, stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 329 pounds. He was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Throughout his career, Joseph has accumulated impressive statistics, including 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, 170 of which he started.
Joseph's career highlights include earning Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, he was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011. His new contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can go up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a key mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. This mentorship could prove invaluable as the Cowboys aim to strengthen their defensive unit.
Addressing Defensive Needs
Last season, the Cowboys’ run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking them 16th in the NFL. With the departure of key defensive players, the addition of seasoned veterans like Joseph and Phillips represents a strategic effort to address these needs and improve their defensive standings. The combination of experienced talent and promising rookies aims to create a robust defensive front capable of better performance in the upcoming season.
As the offseason progresses, the strategic decisions made by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' management reflect an ongoing commitment to building a competitive and resilient defensive line. The integration of seasoned veterans and fresh talent could set the stage for a strong defensive showing in the 2023 NFL season.