It's been a transformative offseason for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, as the team faced several significant departures but acted swiftly to rebuild and fortify its front. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been at the forefront of these efforts, orchestrating strategic trades and signings to mitigate the loss of key players.
Key Departures
The Cowboys' defensive unit said goodbye to prominent edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., both of whom have decided to continue their careers with the Washington Commanders. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins was secured by the Seattle Seahawks, while Neville Gallimore transitioned to the Miami Dolphins. These players' exits left sizable gaps in the Cowboys' defense, particularly with the dual loss of Armstrong and Fowler, both crucial to their previous defensive scheme.
Rebuilding with Strategic Additions
Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the team's competitiveness, Jones moved decisively to rebuild the defensive lineup. On August 15, Jones worked out 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. Not resting on this acquisition, the Cowboys quickly signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, further bolstering their defensive line.
The most substantial addition came in the form of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The 35-year-old, who has played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills, brings a wealth of experience and talent to Dallas. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph's impressive physical presence is matched by his career achievements. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, he has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts. His Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Vikings further attest to his prowess on the field.
A Veteran's Contract and Role
Joseph's one-year contract guarantees him $2.5 million and could increase to $4 million with incentives, reflecting the Cowboys' anticipation of his significant impact on the field. Beyond his on-field performances, Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for Dallas’s 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. This mentorship is likely to be invaluable for the young talent as he navigates his first NFL season.
Future Defensive Performance
Last season, Dallas’s run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking them 16th in the NFL. With the new additions and the seasoned insights of Joseph, the Cowboys aim to improve this statistic and strengthen their defensive line.
Jones's swift and calculated moves reflect a broader strategy to maintain the team's competitive edge despite multiple high-profile departures. As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season, the revamped defensive line holds promises of enhanced performance and renewed vigor.
The offseason shake-up, while challenging, has set the stage for what could be a standout year for Dallas. With veteran talents now in the mix, the Cowboys are preparing to face their upcoming opponents with a reenergized and strategically fortified defense.