Since the disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers, the narrative surrounding the Dallas Cowboys has been dominated by their struggles to stop the run. Back in January, Aaron Jones and the Packers ran through the Cowboys’ defense with ease, leaving fans questioning the team’s commitment to addressing the issue.
This offseason, the Cowboys’ moves have done little to reassure the fanbase. Their attempt to shore up the run defense included drafting a seventh-round pick from Auburn and opting not to re-sign Johnathan Hankins. Along with a few undrafted free agents, these moves hardly inspired confidence.
Last week, the Cowboys signed Jordan Phillips, who unexpectedly revealed that he wasn’t brought in to play the 1-tech position on the defensive line. Instead, he adds depth to the 3-tech spot behind Osa Odighizuwa.
As training camp wrapped up in Oxnard, California, the Cowboys announced another defensive tackle signing: Linval Joseph. A familiar face to Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer, Joseph is expected to fill the 1-tech role.
What Does This Mean for Linval Joseph?
For Linval Joseph, this signing marks his return to the NFL for a 15th season. Originally drafted by the New York Giants in 2010 out of East Carolina University, Joseph made a name for himself during his time in Minnesota under Zimmer. Over six seasons with the Vikings, the massive defensive tackle racked up 32 tackles for loss, 51 quarterback hits, and 15 sacks, earning two Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017.
After his stint in Minnesota, Joseph spent a few seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and even played a year with the Philadelphia Eagles, starting eight games. Joining the Cowboys means Joseph will now have played for three NFC East teams in his career.
While the Cowboys aren’t expecting Joseph to return to his Pro Bowl form, they hope he can still make a difference in limited snaps.
What Does This Mean for the Defense?
In a word, size. The Cowboys have long lacked significant bulk at the defensive tackle position, a need they began addressing last season by drafting Mazi Smith in the first round. While Smith has yet to fully live up to his first-round billing, he has shown promise throughout training camp, despite recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Joseph’s presence could be invaluable in mentoring Smith as he continues to develop.
In a recent article, I highlighted potential free agents the Cowboys could target, with Linval Joseph at the top of my list. Not necessarily as a starter, but because of his familiarity with Zimmer’s system and the depth he brings to the position.
This signing is about more than just plugging a hole on the defensive line. It’s also about helping Mazi Smith evolve into the player the Cowboys envisioned when they drafted him. It’s a move similar to the addition of Eric Kendricks, who has provided veteran leadership to the linebacker corps, aiding the development of young players like Damone Clark, DeMarvion Overshown, and Marist Liufau.
Both Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips bring significant size, each weighing around 330 pounds. The Cowboys haven’t had this kind of bulk in the middle of their defense in recent memory.
I’m eager to see how their presence can elevate the defensive line, and you should be too.
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