The Dallas Cowboys are fresh off of their preseason win over the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Their first victory of the 2024 season answered many questions, but still left some unanswered.

What is the Cowboys’ plan at running back? Do we have a swing tackle with Chuma Edoga out multiple weeks? Which of the bargain signings will stay on to rush the passer?

Those are all good questions, but the question I still want answered before any of those is who will help with depth at the defensive tackle position, specifically at 1-technique.

For those not familiar with what a 1-tech defensive tackle does, here is my best explanation. A 1-tech defensive tackle lines up in the 1-gap, between the center and the guard.

A 1-tech defensive tackle is usually on the heavier side, ideally upwards of 325 pounds, and their purpose is to take up two blockers at once to allow teammates to pursue the ball unblocked. Examples of famous 1-techniques over the years are Gilbert Brown, Vince Wilfork, and Haloti Ngata.

We all thought the Cowboys had already addressed this when they traded for Jordan Phillips late last week. However, comments today from Phillips himself prove otherwise.

As reported by Fort Worth Star Telegram reporter Clarence Hill on Twitter/X, Phillips said he’s here (in Dallas) to play 3-technique. He has a history there in Mike Zimmer’s defense under some of his proteges. Phillips also stated that the New York Giants scheme was not a fit for him.

The Cowboys still have a hole to fill behind 2023 1st round pick Mazi Smith. There are in-house options, but could free agency have the answer?

Free Agent Possibilities

The Dallas Cowboys added a couple of players either late in the draft or off of the street as undrafted free agents to challenge projected starter Mazi Smith, and also provide depth behind him.

Mazi appears to be getting better with each practice, but he can’t be trusted to take on the bulk of the snaps. Cowboys 2024 7th round pick Justin Rogers is the runaway candidate to back up Mazi.

The Cowboys have had success with 7th round defensive tackles before. You might remember a guy by the name of Jay Ratliff. However, free agency may hold better answers than what the Cowboys currently have.

Linval Joseph

The most obvious and best fit left on the free agent market is Linval Joseph. Obvious because Joseph has already played with Mike Zimmer. He is a little long in the tooth with 14 seasons under his belt, but he’s familiar with the system.

Joseph played six years under Zimmer during his time in Minnesota, including the only two Pro Bowl selections of his career (2016, 2017). Despite being primarily a run defender, he has 26.5 career sacks to his name.

The massive defensive tackle won’t be chasing down quarterbacks on a regular basis. That’s fine because that’s not why the Cowboys need him. A veteran of 14 years, Joseph can come in and play limited snaps and still be effective.

If anything else, he would be a valuable veteran presence to help with Mazi Smith’s development.

Al Woods

Al Woods was a 4th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he has jumped around the NFL since then, playing for five other teams.

He most recently made his home as a member of the New York Jets, appearing in just six games over the course of the season. Woods has the same number of seasons under his belt as Linval Joseph, but is nearly two full years older.

Woods is not as athletic as he used to be, but he can still accomplish what the Cowboys need in the defensive line rotation. Like Joseph, Woods could also be a wise veteran presence for Mazi Smith.

Lawrence Guy

Lawrence Guy was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 7th round of the 2012 NFL Draft, but never played a down for them. He signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts, and was traded twice in his first three seasons.

After landing with the Baltimore Ravens and playing two and a half seasons there, he found a role in Bill Belichick’s defense in New England for the past seven seasons.

Guy is active in rush defense, something the Cowboys sorely need in the interior of their defensive line, and he brings championship pedigree to a team that needs all the examples they can get.

Lawrence Guy’s guidance and veteran leadership can be valuable to a room full of young players.