It's been a dynamic offseason for the Dallas Cowboys as they face significant changes to their defensive line. Faced with notable departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones acted swiftly to replenish and bolster this critical unit.
The Cowboys' defensive front notably lost edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, all of whom have signed with other NFL teams. The exits of Armstrong and Fowler to the Washington Commanders were particularly impactful. Hankins headed to the Seattle Seahawks, while Gallimore joined the Miami Dolphins.
Strategic Moves by Jerry Jones
On August 15, in an assertive move to mitigate the losses, Jones orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants. The Cowboys exchanged a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick, signaling an intent to maintain competitive depth in the defensive line.
Shortly after, the Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding experienced talent to their pass rush. The team didn't stop there, making a significant addition by signing 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
Linval Joseph's Experience and Leadership
Joseph, a seasoned player who has had stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills, brings a wealth of experience. At 35 years old, standing 6-foot-4, and weighing 329 pounds, he offers both size and veteran savvy.
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the 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 career highlights include Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings and being part of 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 can reach up to $4 million with incentives over a one-year deal. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 2023, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Impact on Cowboys' Run Defense
The Cowboys' run defense, which allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season and ranked 16th in the NFL, stands to benefit from Joseph's presence and mentorship. His extensive experience and leadership are anticipated to help improve the Cowboys' performance in this area, which is vital for the team's overall defensive strategy.
In conclusion, the addition of Linval Joseph, coupled with strategic trades and signings, underscores Jerry Jones' commitment to reinforcing the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line amidst a season of significant change. The moves position the team to maintain a robust defensive front, essential for their aspirations in the forthcoming NFL season.