It's been an offseason of transformative change for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line. Faced with significant departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has moved swiftly to rebuild and strengthen the team's defensive front, ensuring the Cowboys remain competitive in the upcoming season.
Departures Shake Up the Defensive Line
The Cowboys endured notable losses this offseason. Edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr. both departed for the Washington Commanders, leaving sizable gaps in the Cowboys’ pass rush. Additionally, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore joined the Miami Dolphins. Each of these exits represented significant blows to the team, especially the departures of Armstrong and Fowler, pivotal players in Dallas's defensive scheme.
Strategic Acquisitions Bolster Defense
In response, Jerry Jones wasted no time shoring up the defense. On August 15, Jones orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants, acquiring veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. As part of the deal, the Cowboys also received a future seventh-round pick, enhancing their long-term draft capital.
Further strengthening the defensive line, the Cowboys signed veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson. Lawson, known for his tenacity and ability to pressure the quarterback, adds a seasoned presence to the Cowboys' pass rush options. The duo of Phillips and Lawson provides the team with renewed vigor and experience up front.
Linval Joseph: A Prolific Addition
The most substantial move came with the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph, who last played for the Buffalo Bills, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph has been a formidable force throughout his career.
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has an impressive résumé. Over his career, he has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles in 186 games, including 170 starts. His prowess was acknowledged with Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, and he was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011.
Joseph's contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can increase to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, imparting his knowledge and experience to the promising young player.
Looking at the Road Ahead
The additions of Phillips, Lawson, and Joseph aim to address significant gaps and elevate the Cowboys' defensive performance. Last season, Dallas's run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. With the fortified defensive line, the expectation is for improved performance, particularly in stifling the running game and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
As the Cowboys transition into the new season with these strategic moves, the defensive line appears to be on a promising trajectory. Jerry Jones's swift and effective actions have not only compensated for the offseason departures but have potentially enhanced the defensive prowess of the team.