It's been an offseason of notable transformation for the Dallas Cowboys defensive line, marked by both significant exits and strategic acquisitions. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones wasted no time in restocking his defensive arsenal following a spate of departures.
Departures Leave Gaps
The Cowboys felt the sting of losing key edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., along with defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and interior lineman Neville Gallimore. Armstrong and Fowler, who contributed significantly to the team's edge rush, opted to join the Washington Commanders, a direct division rival, exacerbating the sense of loss. Meanwhile, Hankins took his talents to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore inked a deal with the Miami Dolphins, leaving sizable voids in the Cowboys' defensive front.
Swift Reinforcements
Recognizing the urgency to bolster the defensive line, Jones executed a strategic trade with the New York Giants. On August 15, the Cowboys acquired veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a future seventh-round pick. Phillips brings a seasoned presence to the line, aiming to mitigate the impact of the recent departures.
Just days after the Phillips trade, the Cowboys turned to the free agency market, signing veteran edge rusher Carl Lawson. Lawson, known for his disruptive play style, is expected to reinvigorate the Cowboys' pass rush and bring experienced depth to the defensive rotation.
Linval Joseph Joins the Ranks
A headline-grabbing acquisition came with the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph's credentials are impressive; at 35 years old, the 6-foot-4, 329-pound lineman has a storied career that includes stints with the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Joseph was drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants and quickly established himself as a formidable force on the defensive line. Over 186 career games, including 170 starts, Joseph amassed 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and a total of 676 tackles. His prowess earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his time with the Vikings.
More poignantly for Cowboys fans, Joseph was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning team in his second NFL season in 2011, bringing a championship pedigree to Dallas. His one-year contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and potential earnings up to $4 million with incentives.
Mentorship for the Future
Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a seminal role in mentoring the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The mentorship of a seasoned veteran like Joseph is poised to accelerate Smith's development and impact on the defensive line.
Improving the Run Defense
Last season, the Cowboys' run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, positioning them 16th in the NFL. The additions of Joseph, Phillips, and Lawson represent concerted efforts to tighten a run defense that showed room for improvement.
Jerry Jones's quick and decisive moves underscore the Cowboys' commitment to addressing weaknesses and maintaining a competitive edge. As the offseason unfolds, the newly revamped defensive line will be closely watched, with expectations high for both seasoned newcomers and emerging talents.