It's been an offseason of significant change for the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, marked by the departure of several key players and rapid efforts by team owner and general manager Jerry Jones to rebuild and bolster the defense. The Cowboys saw the exit of notable edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., both of whom joined the Washington Commanders, while defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins moved on to the Seattle Seahawks, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore signed with the Miami Dolphins.
The loss of Armstrong and Fowler left a tangible gap on the defensive front, necessitating swift and calculated moves to maintain and enhance the team's defensive prowess. On August 15, Jerry Jones made a strategic 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. This trade marked the beginning of a series of critical additions to the Cowboys' defensive roster.
Shortly after acquiring Phillips, the Cowboys enhanced their edge rush capabilities by signing veteran free agent Carl Lawson. Lawson's addition brought experience and depth to the defensive line, a move aimed at compensating for the loss of Armstrong and Fowler. In pursuit of further solidifying their defensive front, the Cowboys secured a substantial acquisition by signing 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
Joseph's impressive NFL career spans several teams, including 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 Joseph brings a wealth of experience and a physical presence to the Cowboys' defensive line. Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Joseph has accumulated 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles over 186 career games, including 170 starts.
Joseph's career highlights include earning Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 while with the Minnesota Vikings and being a part of the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in 2011 during his second NFL season. Joseph's one-year contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed, with the potential to reach up to $4 million through incentives. Beyond his performance on the field, Joseph is also expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Dallas's run defense faced challenges last season, allowing an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game, which ranked 16th in the NFL. The addition of seasoned veterans like Joseph and the strategic moves orchestrated by Jones are anticipated to bolster the defensive line performance and provide the necessary resilience against the run.
As the Cowboys navigate the 2023 season, the infusion of experience and talent on the defensive line aims to set a sturdy foundation for the team’s defensive strategies. Joseph's veteran presence is expected to not only enhance on-field performance but also provide valuable guidance to emerging talents like Mazi Smith. With a retooled defensive front, the Cowboys look forward to improving their defensive metrics and achieving greater consistency throughout the season.