The Dallas Cowboys have faced an offseason of considerable change, particularly on the defensive line. Key departures have left significant gaps to fill, but team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has been proactive in addressing these needs.
A Series of Departures
The Cowboys lost several critical players, including edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler's move to the Washington Commanders hit Dallas particularly hard. Hankins signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore made his way to the Miami Dolphins.
Strategic Acquisitions
Recognizing the urgency, Jones wasted no time in bolstering the defensive front. On August 15, he orchestrated 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. The deal was swiftly followed by the signing of free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding much-needed experience to the Cowboys' pass rush.
However, the most substantial addition came with the signing of Linval Joseph, a 14-year NFL veteran whose extensive resume speaks volumes. Joseph has played for 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 was drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants.
Veteran Leadership
Joseph's career statistics are impressive: 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 games, of which he started 170. Notably, he earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while playing with the Vikings and was a member of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in 2011. The Cowboys secured Joseph with a one-year deal that includes $2.5 million guaranteed, potentially reaching up to $4 million with incentives.
Linval Joseph's arrival is more than just a numbers game; his role as a mentor will be invaluable, especially for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. "Bringing in a player of Joseph’s caliber not only strengthens our defensive line but also provides a mentor for our younger players," Jones reportedly said, highlighting the multifaceted value Joseph brings to the team.
Focus on Run Defense
The Cowboys' run defense ranked 16th in the NFL last season, allowing an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game. The integration of seasoned veterans like Joseph and the infusion of fresh talent aims to improve this statistic significantly. With the strategic moves Jones has implemented, the Cowboys hope to fortify their defensive line, mitigating the effects of their offseason losses.
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how these new additions gel with the existing roster. The defensive transformations initiated by Jones could lay the groundwork for a more robust and impenetrable Cowboys defense in the upcoming season.