It has been a transformative offseason for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, marked by notable departures and strategic acquisitions orchestrated by team owner and general manager Jerry Jones. As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the defensive front has undergone considerable changes, aimed at bolstering the team's performance and addressing key losses.
Key Departures and Impact
The Cowboys saw the exodus of several critical defensive players. Edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior lineman Neville Gallimore all found new homes with other NFL teams. Armstrong and Fowler's departure to the Washington Commanders especially stung, given their pivotal roles in the pass rush. Hankins made his way to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore joined the Miami Dolphins, leaving significant gaps in the Cowboys' defensive lineup.
Strategic Acquisitions
Jones acted swiftly to address these losses, beginning with a trade on August 15 that brought veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips from the New York Giants in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a future seventh-round pick. The dynamic didn't stop there; within days, the Cowboys secured the services of experienced edge rusher Carl Lawson, a move designed to compensate for the edge-rushing prowess lost with Armstrong and Fowler's departures.
Adding Veteran Leadership
Perhaps the most substantial addition to the Cowboys' defensive line is 14-year NFL veteran Linval Joseph. Joseph, a formidable presence at 6-foot-4 and 329 pounds, brings a wealth of experience and achievement, having played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, Joseph's decorated career includes 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 games, with 170 starts.
Joseph's accolades include Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings, and he was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in 2011. His one-year contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and could rise to $4 million with incentives, reflecting the Cowboys' investment in his veteran leadership and on-field capabilities.
Joseph’s Role and Expectations
Joseph is expected to play a critical mentoring role for Mazi Smith, the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick. His extensive experience and success in the league will be invaluable in guiding the young defensive tackle, potentially accelerating Smith's development and impact on the field.
Looking at the broader defensive strategy, improving the run defense is a priority. Last season, the Cowboys allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, which ranked 16th in the NFL. The inclusion of seasoned players like Joseph and Phillips underscores an effort to improve this aspect of their game, aiming for a more robust and impenetrable defensive line.
The combination of acquiring seasoned veterans and integrating emerging talent sets a course for a potentially fortified defensive front. With Jerry Jones at the helm of this transformation, the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line is poised to face the challenges of the upcoming season with renewed strength and strategic depth.