An Offseason of Change for the Cowboys' Defensive Line
It's been an offseason of significant change for the Dallas Cowboys defensive line, marked by both departures and new additions.
With key players leaving, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones wasted no time in restocking and reinforcing the defensive front. Notable exits include edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, all of whom found new homes with other NFL teams. Armstrong and Fowler, two major contributors, are now with the Washington Commanders, which undoubtedly impacts the Cowboys' pass rush capabilities.
Johnathan Hankins further impacted the Cowboys by moving to the Seattle Seahawks, while Neville Gallimore signed with the Miami Dolphins. These departures left sizable gaps in a defense that allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 16th in the NFL.
Strategic Additions
In an effort to mitigate the losses, Jones executed a series of strategic moves beginning on August 15. The Cowboys traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick. This trade was swiftly followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, adding much-needed experience and depth to the defensive edges.
Yet, perhaps the most significant addition to the defensive line was the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, the 35-year-old brings both size and a wealth of experience to the Cowboys. Joseph was initially selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, and his career has seen him deliver consistent performances for teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
Over 186 career games, including 170 starts, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. His impact on the field is underscored by his Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Vikings, and his contribution to the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in 2011. Joseph’s one-year contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can go up to $4 million with incentives.
Mentorship Role
Beyond his expected on-field contributions, Joseph is anticipated to play a significant mentoring role, particularly for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The experience and insights Joseph can provide are invaluable for a young player beginning their NFL journey, and his presence is expected to fortify the defensive line both in performance and depth.
The Cowboys' front office has clearly been proactive in addressing the gaps left by the offseason's departures. With the infusion of new talent and veteran leadership, the team aims to shore up a defense that seeks to improve from its mid-tier performance in the previous season.
In a sport where every inch of the field and every second on the clock counts, these strategic moves could mean the difference between another season of “what ifs” and a legitimate push into the postseason. As the team readies itself for the battles ahead, the reshaped defensive line will undoubtedly be under the spotlight, expected to deliver both protection and pressure in equal measure.