It's been an offseason marked by significant changes for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. With several key departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been quick to activate his contingency plans, restocking and reinforcing a unit critical to the team's ambitions this upcoming season.
Notable Departures
Among the most impactful losses were edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., both of whom opted to join the Dallas Cowboys' division rivals, the Washington Commanders. Their departures were a substantial blow to a defensive front already in transition.
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins found a new home with the Seattle Seahawks, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore signed with the Miami Dolphins. These departures left the Cowboys' defensive line thin on experience and depth.
Strategic Acquisitions
In response, Jones wasted no time making significant acquisitions. On August 15, he executed 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 trade was a calculated move, bringing a reliable and experienced player into the fold.
Not stopping there, the Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson shortly after. Lawson's addition aims to fill the void left by Armstrong and Fowler, bringing a new dynamic to Dallas' pass-rushing capabilities.
A Veteran Pillar in Linval Joseph
Perhaps the most substantial addition to the defensive line is the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Standing at a towering 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph brings a wealth of experience to the Cowboys. His career includes stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Joseph, now 35, was drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants and has since accumulated impressive stats over 186 career games, including 170 starts. His resume includes 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. He has also earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings and was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in 2011.
Joseph's one-year contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can reach up to $4 million with incentives. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a pivotal mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The presence of such a seasoned player is likely to be invaluable for the development of younger talent on the team.
Filling the Gaps
The Cowboys' run defense averaged 112.4 rushing yards allowed per game last season, ranking 16th in the NFL. The hope is that the new acquisitions, particularly Joseph, can help shore up the defensive line and improve these numbers.
Despite the considerable turnover, the Cowboys have acted decisively to mitigate the impact of their offseason losses. The blend of experienced veterans and promising young players sets the stage for an intriguing season ahead as they aim to build a formidable defensive front.
As the team gears up for the new season, all eyes will be on how this revamped defensive line performs under the weight of heightened expectations. If Jerry Jones' bets pay off, the Cowboys could very well fortify their position as contenders.