It's been an offseason of significant changes for the Dallas Cowboys, particularly on the defensive line. Faced with the departures of key players, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones wasted no time in addressing the needs of the team. The Cowboys saw edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore sign with other NFL teams, presenting considerable gaps to fill on the defensive front.
Departures and Immediate Moves
The loss of Armstrong and Fowler struck a particularly harsh blow, as both joined the divisional rivals Washington Commanders. Hankins transitioned to the Seattle Seahawks, while Gallimore found a new home with the Miami Dolphins. In response, Jerry Jones swiftly executed a trade with the New York Giants, acquiring veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a future seventh-round pick.
The trade was promptly followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding more depth and experience to the defensive line. These initial steps demonstrated Jones’ proactive approach to rebuilding a robust defensive front.
A Seasoned Addition
Perhaps the most substantial addition came with the signing of Linval Joseph, a 14-year NFL veteran who has played with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. The 35-year-old, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, brings a wealth of experience and a formidable physical presence to the Cowboys' interior defense.
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts. His accolades include Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings and a Super Bowl victory in his second NFL season with the Giants in 2011.
Joseph’s one-year contract includes $2.5 million in guaranteed money and can reach up to $4 million with performance incentives. 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.
Reinforcing the Run Defense
Dallas’s run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, placing them 16th in the NFL. The experience and leadership of Linval Joseph aim to push this statistic towards the top of the league. His proven track record of consistency and high-level performance adds an invaluable asset to a defensive line in transition.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the offseason moves made by Jerry Jones reflect a strategic blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent. The reinforced defensive line, anchored by the likes of Linval Joseph, will be under intense scrutiny from fans and analysts alike, eager to see if the adjustments will translate into a more formidable defensive unit.
In the unpredictable landscape of the NFL, the Cowboys' swift and strategic actions offer a glimmer of stability and resilience. The integration of seasoned players like Linval Joseph indicates a commitment to not only compete but excel in the challenging journey ahead.