Cowboys Interested In Further DL Additions?

The Cowboys added to their defensive line last week by pulling off an intra-divisional trade with the Giants for Jordan Phillips. The veteran needs to make at least two regular season appearances with Dallas for Day 3 picks to be exchanged.

Phillips will spend the coming weeks attempting to make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster. That effort included suiting up for Dallas’ preseason contest against the Raiders, and he will likely see time during the exhibition finale as well. Prior to the Vegas matchup, though, owner Jerry Jones suggested further DL moves could be made in the near future.

“Sometimes in the interior line, you get a chance to do some things with other clubs right at the end of training camp,” Jones said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan (h/t Jon Machota of The Athletic). “What you’re seeing right now is important. It’s important to see these guys take reps. But tonight won’t be the final pieces to the puzzle.”

Dallas lost Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore in free agency while adding Albert Huggins to the mix. The latter joins Phillips in attempting to find a regular role on defense alongside the likes of Chauncey Golston, Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith. A 2023 first-rounder, Smith did not have the rookie campaign he or the Cowboys expected. The Michigan alum will look to take a needed step forward in 2024 while potentially logging a larger workload than he did last year (28% defensive snap share).

Roster cutdowns will leave plenty of D-line options available on the waiver wire, and some movement at that position (like all others) will take place shortly. In need of better play in the front seven compared to 2023, the Cowboys will apparently be a team to watch regarding further reinforcements being brought in.