The Dallas Cowboys have undergone a significant transformation on their defensive line this offseason, marked by the departure of several key players. In response, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones wasted no time in reshaping the defensive front to maintain competitiveness heading into the new NFL season.
Departures Shake Up the Defensive Front
Among the notable losses for the Cowboys were edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Both Armstrong and Fowler made their way to the Washington Commanders, while Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore joined the Miami Dolphins.
The turnovers in personnel left substantial gaps in the Cowboys' defensive line, a critical unit for any NFL team, especially one with playoff aspirations. Recognizing the urgency, Jones acted swiftly to bring in experienced and capable replacements.
New Faces Bring Veteran Experience
On August 15, Jones orchestrated a trade with the New York Giants, securing veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a future seventh-round pick. Phillips, known for his size and strength, adds a formidable presence to the Cowboys' interior line.
In the same breath, Dallas bolstered their pass rush by signing veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, aiming to fill the void left by Armstrong and Fowler. With several productive seasons under his belt, Lawson is expected to play a significant role in revamping the Cowboys’ defensive strategy.
Linval Joseph: A Key Acquisition
Perhaps the most impactful addition is 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The 35-year-old Joseph brings a wealth of experience, having played for teams like the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph is known for his resilience and leadership on the field.
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, Joseph boasts an impressive career with 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 games, including 170 starts. His career includes Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017, achieved during his stint with the Vikings, and he was also part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in 2011.
Joseph's contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can reach up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. His addition to the squad is not just about bolstering the defensive line; Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for Dallas’s 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Impact on Defensive Strategy
Last season, the Cowboys' defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. The loss of seasoned defenders could have been a blow to the team's efforts to improve this stat. However, the strategic additions of seasoned players like Joseph, Phillips, and Lawson are poised to bring a new dynamic to the Dallas defense.
Joseph's ability to disrupt offensive lines and his vast experience in high-stake games provide the Cowboys with a reliable anchor in the center of their defensive line. This new addition could enable the team to maintain and potentially improve their run defense, setting a stronger foundation for the rest of the unit to build upon.
With the influx of new veteran talent, the Cowboys are focused on maintaining their defensive integrity and adapting smoothly to the changes brought on by the offseason departures. The blend of incoming experience and the mentorship for younger players like Mazi Smith signifies a balanced approach to both present and future success.
As the season looms, all eyes will be on how these new acquisitions gel with the existing roster and if the Cowboys can leverage these changes to enhance their defensive performance. The efforts made by Jerry Jones and his team reflect a determination to not just fill the gaps but to fortify the Dallas Cowboys’ defense with expertise and leadership.