Free agent scouting report: A closer look at new Dallas Cowboys DT Linval Joseph

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Here is what the Dallas Cowboys are getting in Linval Joseph.

Dallas Cowboys fans have been asking the front office to make this type of move all offseason. Well, better late than never, right? With the final preseason game set to kick off, the Cowboys gave themselves all of training camp to assess their roster and have since begun adding outside pieces to help fill out the roster.

With Linval Joseph being the latest addition, we examine the hulking defensive tackle, discuss his body of work to this point, and consider what he may be able to provide for Dallas in 2024.

Measurables and career stats

• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 329
• Years in NFL: 14 seasons
• Tackles: 676
• Tackles For Loss: 57
• Sacks: 26.5
• QB Hits: 77

The fit and connection between Joseph and the Cowboys are obvious. He played under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer while they were both in Minnesota, and the Cowboys have a massive need for interior defensive line help.

Joseph has been in the NFL for 14 years now, and as he heads into his 15th season, it’s clear that he has been a productive member of defensive lines for a long time. While he isn’t at the top of his game like he may have been five or six years ago, Joseph still provides value to a team like the Cowboys, who desperately need more help in the run game.

Joseph’s strengths

• Massive man who still commands bodies in the interior.
• Has the size and strength to still be a disruptor at the first level.
• True 1-technique, a position the Cowboys are lacking severely at.
• Understands Zimmer’s system and should hit the ground running.
• He knows his role is to eat blocks and free up space, and he embraces it.
• He can provide a pass rush still and is able to live in the backfield on early downs.
• Mentor to younger guys on how it looks to sustain in the NFL and play at a high level.

Joseph’s weaknesses

• Longer in the tooth, he might not have his fastball like he did when he was younger.
• Production has dipped with age; he may need to be on a pitch count for the Cowboys.
• Came into camp late, providing questions regarding early season impact.
• Hasn’t played a full season since 2020, so injuries and durability may be worth monitoring.

Summary

In summary, it’s tough to look at this move and talk negatively about it. He doesn't command a big salary, he won’t be relied on to start, and the Cowboys fill a hole with a known commodity. Joseph has a chance to come in, make the Cowboys’ run defense respectable and tougher, and keep teams from running away from them like we’ve seen in the past.

It’s a good move, something many had been hoping for. Now that this, along with the addition of Jordan Phillips, has taken place, Dallas is at a place where you can feel better about the defensive line as a whole.