The Dallas Cowboys defensive line has undergone significant changes this offseason, reflecting a strategic realignment by team owner and general manager Jerry Jones in response to notable player departures. Key figures like edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., along with defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, have all moved on to new teams, leaving sizeable gaps in the Cowboys' defensive front.
Departures and Impact
Particularly stinging for the Cowboys were the exits of Armstrong and Fowler, who have both signed with the Washington Commanders. These departures necessitated immediate action from Jones to maintain the integrity and competitiveness of the defense. Hankins ventured to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore found a new home with the Miami Dolphins, further depleting the Dallas defensive line.
Strategic Moves
In a bid to swiftly reinforce the roster, Jones orchestrated a trade on August 15 with the New York Giants. The deal involved sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Giants in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This initial move signaled a proactive approach to filling the defensive voids.
Shortly after, the Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, further strengthening their defensive options. However, the marquee acquisition came with the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph brings a wealth of experience and a robust physical presence to the Cowboys' interior defense.
Linval Joseph's Proven Track Record
At 35 years old, Joseph, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, continues to be a formidable force. Drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has accumulated impressive career statistics, including 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 games, with 170 starts. His professional journey includes stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Joseph's accolades include Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings. Moreover, he was a key contributor to the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in his second NFL season in 2011. Joseph's contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and incentives that could increase its value to $4 million over one year, highlighting the team's commitment to bolstering their defensive line with veteran leadership.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a significant mentoring role for Dallas’s 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. This aspect of his signing underscores the Cowboys' strategy of blending experienced veterans with promising young talent to create a balanced and cohesive defensive unit.
Last season, Dallas's run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. The addition of Joseph, coupled with strategic acquisitions like Phillips and Lawson, aims to shore up this crucial area and elevate the team's defensive performance for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line has faced considerable changes and challenges this offseason. However, through strategic trades and key signings, Jerry Jones has demonstrated a clear commitment to restoring and enhancing the team's defensive prowess. As the new season approaches, the blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent positions the Cowboys to potentially be a formidable defensive force in the league.