Oct 3, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) celebrates after making an interception on a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore (not pictured) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
There are many viable options for the Dallas Cowboys roster going into the bye week according to the most recent round of reports. According to Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, the Cowboys should prioritize defensive lineman over linebacker. Linval Joseph, a two-time Pro Bowler, is at the top of the team’s list of potential signings, according to the NFL expert.
Holder explained on October 17, 2023 that, “instead [of adding a linebacker], they should look to add a run-stuffing defensive tackle because Johnathan Hankins has struggled in that role this season and, outside of Osa Odighizuwa, the position group has been underwhelming for Dallas.”
Joseph has a 13-year track record as a gap-filling inside defender, giving Dan Quinn another choice if Hankins’ situation doesn’t improve. The 35-year-old has also had experience joining a squad in the middle of the season and making a contribution; he did likewise with the Eagles the previous year.
Most recently, Joseph played in the center of the NFC champion Eagles’ defensive line in eight games that he started in 2022, compiling 20 tackles. Prior to this, Joseph played for the Chargers, Vikings, and Giants.
Given the widespread interest in the Cowboys franchise, there are no shortage of athletes with ties to the team, but this concept has some heft. Philadelphia signed the defensive tackle last November in a late-season move for Joseph in 2022. This past summer, Will McClay, vice president of player personnel for Dallas, disclosed that the Cowboys were interested in signing Joseph but that the Eagles beat them to the veteran’s services.
In an interview with “Cowboys Hour” on January 23, McClay noted, “It’s part of managing your cap and all of the opportunities you have to improve your team.” “You know, we were talking about Linval Joseph, and I was like, ‘Hey, maybe we can get him to join practice squad.'” The following day, Philadelphia [signed him]. Our phones may have been hacked, I believe.
The “Cowboys Hour” interview with McClay on January 23 quoted him as saying, “It’s part of managing your cap and all of the opportunities you have to improve your team.” “You know, Linval Joseph was something we were talking about, and I was like, ‘Hey, maybe we can get him to join practice squad.'” Philly [signed him] the next day. They may have bugged our phones, I believe.
What other decisions could the Cowboys make besides Joseph? Michael Gallup has been a huge disappointment for Dallas as a third receiver, and that needs to be said openly. Will the Cowboys instead give Jalen Tolbert or KaVontae Turpin more playing time at wide receiver in their second season? If Dallas acquired another experienced wide receiver in return for a late-round draft pick, it wouldn’t come as a total shock.
Another position that is commonly listed as being in need is tight end, but Dallas is more likely to continue giving its young guys experience at the position. After Leighton Vander Esch’s injury, the Cowboys finally acquired veteran linebacker Rashaan Evans, but they could yet make a move for another linebacker to provide them more depth.
