It's been an offseason of significant transformation for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line. In the face of notable departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has swiftly moved to rebuild and enhance the unit.
The Cowboys have bid farewell to several key defensive players. Edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr. have both signed with the Washington Commanders. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins has moved on to the Seattle Seahawks, while Neville Gallimore has found a new home with the Miami Dolphins. The exits of Armstrong and Fowler, in particular, have left a substantial void for the team's defensive strategy.
To counterbalance these losses, the Cowboys have been proactive in reinforcing their defensive line. On August 15, Jones executed a trade with the New York Giants, exchanging a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This strategic acquisition was quickly followed by the addition of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson.
Perhaps the most noteworthy addition to the Cowboys' defensive front is Linval Joseph. The 14-year NFL veteran brings a wealth of experience and a formidable presence to the team. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph has had stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, Joseph has accumulated an impressive record over 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 impact on the field is unquestionable. Notably, he earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his time with the Vikings. Additionally, he was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in 2011, during his second NFL season.
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. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is also expected to play a key mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith, who is seen as a vital part of the future of the Cowboys' defense, will undoubtedly benefit from Joseph's extensive experience and knowledge.
Last season, Dallas's run defense ranked 16th in the NFL, allowing an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game. The addition of Joseph, along with the other reinforcements, represents a concerted effort by the Cowboys to improve their run-stopping capabilities and overall defensive performance.
With these strategic moves, the Dallas Cowboys are poised to reassert their defensive strength in the upcoming season. The combination of veteran leadership and young talent provides a balanced approach that could enhance their performance on the field. As training camp progresses and the season approaches, all eyes will be on this revamped defensive line to see if these changes translate into improved results on game day.