The Dallas Cowboys' defensive line is undergoing a significant transformation this offseason. Amid high-profile departures, Jerry Jones, the team's owner and general manager, has moved swiftly to rebuild and reinforce the defensive front with a series of strategic acquisitions.
Among the notable losses are edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. Armstrong and Fowler both inked deals with the Washington Commanders, while Hankins and Gallimore found new homes with the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins, respectively. These departures, particularly those of Armstrong and Fowler, have left a noticeable void in the Cowboys' defensive arsenal.
In response, Jones has wasted no time in executing a critical trade with the New York Giants. On August 15, the Cowboys exchanged a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This move added depth and experience to the interior of the defensive line, setting the stage for further enhancements.
Capitalizing on the opportunity to bolster the defense even more, the Cowboys quickly signed veteran edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding a seasoned playmaker to their roster. Lawson's arrival was part of a concerted effort to not only fill the gaps left by the offseason exits but also to enhance the overall skill set of the defensive line.
Adding Experience and Leadership
The most substantial addition to the Cowboys' defensive front came with the signing of Linval Joseph. The 14-year NFL veteran is expected to bring both formidable on-field ability and invaluable leadership to the team. At 35 years old, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph's physical presence alone is significant. However, his experience and accomplishments further elevate his value to the Cowboys.
Joseph was a second-round selection by the New York Giants in the 2010 NFL Draft, and he has since built an impressive career. Over his 186 career games, including 170 starts, he has amassed 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. His tenure in the NFL has seen him earn Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while playing with the Minnesota Vikings. Moreover, Joseph played an instrumental role in the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team during his second NFL season in 2011.
The one-year deal signed by Joseph includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can reach up to $4 million with incentives. This investment speaks volumes about the Cowboys' confidence in Joseph's potential impact. 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. This role will be vital in helping the young player develop into a future cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense.
Shoring Up the Run Defense
Last season, the Cowboys' run defense was a middle-of-the-pack unit, allowing an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the NFL. The addition of seasoned veterans like Joseph and Phillips, coupled with the dynamic presence of Carl Lawson, aims to elevate the unit's performance significantly. With these reinforcements, the team hopes to stifle opponents' running games more effectively and create a more formidable defensive front.
In summary, the Cowboys' offseason moves reflect a careful and calculated approach to addressing the voids left by key departures. The combination of trades, free-agent signings, and the strategic addition of veteran leadership through Linval Joseph demonstrates a commitment to both immediate improvements and long-term development. As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the revamped defensive line is poised to be a focal point of the team's strategy, aiming to achieve better results and make a deep playoff run.