It's been an offseason of change for the Dallas Cowboys defensive line, marked by significant departures and swift moves by team owner and general manager Jerry Jones to restock and reinforce the defensive front.
The Cowboys were notably impacted by the loss of edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., who both signed with the Washington Commanders. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins took his talents to the Seattle Seahawks, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore found a new home with the Miami Dolphins. These exits left noticeable gaps on the Cowboys' defensive line, a unit critical to their defense strategy.
Reinforcements Arrive
In response, Jones was quick to act. On August 15, he executed a trade with the New York Giants, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. Phillips, known for his disruption in the trenches, brings much-needed size and experience to the Cowboys’ defensive line.
This trade was swiftly followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. Lawson, a dynamic pass rusher, promises to bring pressure from the edge, helping to fill the void left by Armstrong and Fowler. The addition of Lawson aims to ensure the Cowboys' pass rush remains formidable in the competitive NFC East.
A Major Addition: Linval Joseph
Perhaps the most substantial addition to the defensive line came with the signing of Linval Joseph, a 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle. Joseph's impressive career includes stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old Joseph brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Cowboys.
Joseph was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, and his career accolades speak volumes about his impact on the field. Over 186 career games, including 170 starts, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. His standout performances earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while playing for the Minnesota Vikings, and he was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011.
Joseph's one-year deal with Dallas includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can go up to $4 million with incentives. Beyond his on-field performance, Joseph is expected to play a key mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith, a promising talent, stands to benefit immensely from Joseph’s guidance and expertise.
Defensive Strategies and Outlook
Last season, Dallas's run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. The additions of Joseph, Phillips, and Lawson are poised to bolster these numbers significantly. With Joseph anchoring the middle and the combined veteran presence across the line, the Cowboys' defensive front is expected to be more resilient against the run and more disruptive in the pass rush.
In a league where success is often dictated by the ability to adapt and evolve, the Cowboys have demonstrated a proactive approach to their defensive line overhaul. With their new reinforcements, the team is not only aiming to fill the gaps left by key departures but also to elevate the overall performance of their defense. The upcoming season will undoubtedly showcase if these strategic moves by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' front office pay off on the field.
As fans and analysts alike anticipate the impact of these changes, the Cowboys' revamped defensive line stands as a testament to the team's commitment to competition and excellence in the rapidly evolving landscape of the NFL.