It's been an offseason of change for the Dallas Cowboys defensive line. Amid significant departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has quickly made moves to restock and reinforce the defensive front. The loss of key players includes edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, all of whom signed with other NFL teams.
The Cowboys were particularly impacted by the exits of Armstrong and Fowler, both of whom joined the Washington Commanders. Their departure left gaps in the edge rushing department that the Cowboys undoubtedly needed to fill. Meanwhile, Hankins moved on to the Seattle Seahawks, and Gallimore found a new home with the Miami Dolphins. These exits constituted a clear challenge for the Cowboys defense leading up to the new season.
Rebuilding the Defensive Front
In response, Jerry Jones wasted no time in bringing in new talent. On August 15, Jones executed a trade with the New York Giants, exchanging a 2026 sixth-round pick for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This move was quickly followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, who previously had stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Jets.
But that wasn't all. The Cowboys made a substantial addition by signing 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph is well-regarded in the league, having a long and storied career that includes playing for five different NFL teams: the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. At 35 years old, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph brings both size and experience to Dallas's defensive line.
Joseph's Impact and Legacy
Linval Joseph’s arrival brings a wealth of experience to the Cowboys' defensive unit. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has accumulated an impressive career stat line with 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts. His tenure with the Minnesota Vikings especially stands out, where he earned Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017. Under the guidance of then-defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who is now with the Cowboys, Joseph had some of the best seasons of his career.
Joseph's experience is not just limited to personal accolades but also team success. He was part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011. This level of achievement and consistency over years of professional play will be vital as the Cowboys look to strengthen their defensive front.
The contract Joseph signed is notable as well. It includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can go up to $4 million with incentives on a one-year deal. This is a testament to his value and the immediate impact the Cowboys expect him to bring to the team.
Fortifying the Defense
In addition to his on-field contributions, Joseph is also expected to play a key mentoring role, particularly for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Dallas's run defense, which allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season (ranking 16th in the NFL), will look to improve with Joseph’s presence. His ability to plug gaps and mentor younger players could prove invaluable as the Cowboys aim for a more robust defensive performance in the coming year.
The combined moves by Jerry Jones indicate a strategic effort to quickly and effectively rebuild the Cowboys' defensive line after significant offseason losses. By bringing in seasoned veterans like Jordan Phillips, Carl Lawson, and Linval Joseph, the Cowboys are not just filling gaps but enhancing the depth and resilience of the defensive line. The success of these moves will be closely watched as the season progresses, with the hope that these experienced players can provide the stability and performance needed to make the Cowboys’ defense a formidable force.