Dallas Cowboys fans have been asking management to make such a move all season long. Well, better late than never, right? With the final preseason game just around the corner, the Cowboys have spent all of training camp evaluating their roster and have since begun adding outside players to complete the roster.
With Linval Joseph being the newest addition, we take a closer look at the beefy defensive tackle, discuss his work so far, and consider what he could offer Dallas in 2024.
Metrics and career statistics
- Height: 1.93m
- Weight: 329
- Years in the NFL: 14 seasons
- Tackles: 676
- Tackles for loss: 57
- Bags: 26.5
- QB hits: 77
The fit and connection between Joseph and the Cowboys is obvious. He played under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer when they were both in Minnesota, and the Cowboys have a huge need for reinforcements on the interior defensive line.
Joseph has been in the NFL for 14 years now, and as he enters his 15th season, it’s clear that he’s been a productive member of defensive lines for a long time. While he’s not at the peak of his career like he may have been five or six years ago, Joseph is still valuable to a team like the Cowboys who desperately need more help in the running game.
Joseph’s Strengths
- Massive man who still rules over the bodies inland.
- Has the size and strength to still cause trouble on the first level.
- True 1-technique, a position the Cowboys are sorely lacking.
- Understands Zimmer’s system and should be able to get started right away.
- He knows his role is to eat blocks and free up space, and he embraces that role.
- He can still provide a pass rush and is capable of holding his own in the backfield on early downs.
- As a mentor, he shows younger players how to assert themselves in the NFL and play at a high level.
Joseph’s weaknesses
- He’s a little older and may not have as much control over his fastball as he did when he was younger.
- His productivity has declined as he’s gotten older; he may need to throw more for the Cowboys.
- Came to camp late and asked questions about impact early in the season.
- Hasn’t played a full season since 2020, so it might be worth keeping an eye on injuries and durability.
Summary
In summary, it’s hard to be negative about this move. He doesn’t make a big salary, he won’t be relied upon to be a starter, and the Cowboys are filling a void with a big-name player. Joseph has a chance to step in, make the Cowboys’ run defense respectable and tougher, and prevent teams from running away from them like we’ve seen in the past.
It’s a good move that many were hoping for, and now that this and the signing of Jordan Phillips have happened, Dallas is at a point where they can feel better about the defensive line as a whole.
