The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to salute their 65th NFL season with a special gift for their long suffering fans. The Cowboys‘ last Super Bowl win took place nearly three decades ago, in a completely different era for the NFL, and expectations in Dallas are as high as ever entering 2024 — especially as the Cowboys are returning nearly the entire roster that won the NFC East last season.
That said, there has been disappointment in Dallas this offseason as owner Jerry Jones has stalled in handing new contracts to offensive stars Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb — both of whom are slated to hit free agency after the season. Lamb is holding out from all team activities until his contractual situation is resolved — and while that saga drags on, Jones is focusing on making minor but significant improvements to the roster before the season begins on Sept. 8.
Cowboys swoop for Linval Joseph
The Cowboys on Wednesday reached an agreement with veteran nose tackle Linval Joseph, whose well-traveled career has also seen him suit up for the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles — the Cowboys’ two biggest rivals.
Joseph, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million to chase a second Super Bowl ring with the Cowboys. The free-agent move also reunites Joseph with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who coached Joseph during his two Pro Bowl seasons with the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 and 2017.
Even at 35 years old, Joseph is still a handful for offensive linemen. Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 329 pounds, the 14-year veteran could be very impactful if he stays healthy. Dallas has to do a better job of stopping the run in 2024 — the Cowboys’ defense ranked 16th out of 32 teams in rushing yards allowed, and 15th in rushing yards per attempt, in 2023. Beefing up along the defensive line by adding the experienced Joseph as an option might help the Cowboys continue winning if one of their top offensive players isn’t available.
