The Cowboys still aren’t done with adding depth to their offseason roster. With the addition of DT Linval Joseph, the defensive tackle room just got heated up.
Linval Joseph: More Competition in the DT Room
A Necessary Depth Addition
Adding Joseph to the team stirs up interest as the Cowboys just added Jordan Phillips to their roster a week prior.
Both tackles are similar. Phillips is 6’6”, 330 pounds. Joseph stands 6’4”, 328 pounds, meaning the two are comparable. They’re also comparable in time in the league. Both players stand out as double-digit veterans in the NFL.
There’s also the benefit of Phillips and Joseph being teammates last year. Both players just came from the Buffalo Bills.
Joseph is also a strategic move because he’s been coached by Mike Zimmer, the Cowboys’ current defensive coordinator. Instead of adding a player who would have to learn the defense, Joseph should already have it down thanks to his time under Zimmer.
Joseph as Support for Mazi Smith
Second-year Mazi Smith took it well when Phillips was added to the roster. He saw Phillips as someone to learn from because of his league experience. If that’s the direction the Cowboys are aiming to go in, then it’s a powerful move to add another player with expansive league knowledge.
It should be seen as a supportive decision for Smith. He dealt with a tough year last year, facing a lot of ridicule for not living up to the hype. However, Smith went into the offseason ready to change that. He’s been working hard and the coaches have been supporting him by putting players in his corner.
Micah Parsons has been working with Smith to get him up to speed, not letting him drown under the pressure this year. Phillips has also praised Smith for being able to play the game. Now, with the addition of Joseph, it seems as though Smith will have all of the support he needs to be in the best shape for the season.
Biggest Concern With the Addition
Adding a player who already knows and understands Zimmer’s style of defense is imperative. If the Cowboys are choosing to add a player so late into their preseason, then he must know how the team already operates.
But the biggest issue with Joseph isn’t his newness–it’s his ability to stay healthy. In 2019, Joseph suffered from a knee injury and in 2021, he had some shoulder issues as well. His productivity hasn’t been the same in the past few years, but he could still turn that around.
Especially when working underneath the magician that is Zimmer.
Linval Joseph Making the 53-Man Roster
Although there’s a substantial lack of depth on the roster in this position, adding Joseph only increases that competition. This will lead to more cuts in the spot of defensive tackle. The Cowboys’ defense has already made this incredibly difficult on their coaches.
Both in practice and on the field during preseason, there has been a huge show of talent and potential. Forcing five turnovers in the two games so far only scratches the surface of how this defense has been playing recently.
Could Joseph be bound for the practice roster? Possibly, but it’s doubtful. It’s hard to tell because of the level of play on the defensive side of the ball. But his 14-year veteran status is a solid chip on his shoulder.
More than likely, Joseph will be out on the field in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. It’ll be nice to see the increased competition at the position and who will dominate, coming out on top.
Main Photo: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
