It's been an offseason of transformation for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, a unit crucial to the team's upcoming NFL campaign.
In a period marked by notable departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones wasted no time in making strategic moves to fill the gaps left by exiting players. The Cowboys bid farewell to key defensive pieces, notably edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. Armstrong and Fowler, both implementing dominant pass rush tactics, departed for the Washington Commanders. Concurrently, Hankins transitioned to the Seattle Seahawks while interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore secured a spot with the Miami Dolphins.
Recognizing the need to maintain efficiency and fortitude on the defensive front, Jones orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants on August 15. The Cowboys acquired veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Giants in exchange for Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This strategic move, though significant in its own right, was swiftly followed by another calculated addition: the signing of free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson.
The infusion of experienced talent continued when Dallas signed 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The 35-year-old Joseph, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, brings with him an impressive professional resume. Initially selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Joseph's career has spanned several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Throughout his 186 career games, with 170 starts, Joseph has notched 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and a substantial 676 total tackles. His impactful play earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings. Moreover, Joseph's experience is punctuated by his contribution to the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in the 2011 season.
Joseph's signing includes a contract with $2.5 million guaranteed, which could extend up to $4 million with performance-based incentives over a one-year span. This seasoned campaigner is expected to provide more than just on-field performance for the Cowboys. His role as a mentor, specifically for Dallas’s 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, will be integral.
The Cowboys' defensive adjustments are not merely about replacing talent but enhancing overall performance. Last season, the Cowboys' run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, placing them at 16th in the NFL. With the addition of veterans like Joseph and the youthful vigor of Smith, Dallas aims to solidify and increase the resilience of their defensive structure.
As the Cowboys prepare to embark on their upcoming NFL journey, these strategic acquisitions underscore their commitment to remaining competitive and achieving high standards in defensive play. The offseason changes have positioned Dallas to potentially improve their defensive metrics, particularly in stopping the rush, a vital component for success in an increasingly competitive league.
With the backdrop of these seasoned veterans ready to impart their wisdom and skill, the Cowboys' defense is set for a transformative season. The blend of experienced stalwarts and fresh talents could well be the key to elevating Dallas’s defensive prowess to new heights.