FRISCO, Texas – After taking a free agent visit to Dallas earlier this week, veteran defensive end Kony Ealy has agreed to terms with the Cowboys. Terms have not been disclosed.
Ealy, a four-year pro, has 15 career sacks with the Jets and Panthers, including a record-tying three in Super Bowl 50 for Carolina.
The Jets claimed Ealy off waivers from the Patriots last August. The Cowboys reportedly put in a claim for Ealy, but the Jets had a higher position.
The former second-round pick posted one sack in 15 games for the Jets last year, but he also had a career-high 9 pass deflections as a rusher.
In Dallas, Ealy will join a defensive end rotation that includes Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence, veteran Tyrone Crawford and 2017 first-round pick Taco Charlton. The Cowboys also have taken a step toward retaining restricted free agent defensive lineman David Irving by offering him the second-round tender worth $2.91 million. April 20 is the deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets from other teams.
Signing Ealy doesn't rule out defensive end as a draft possibility for Dallas later this month, but he does add depth and experience at an important position. The Cowboys parted ways with veteran Damontre' Moore late last season and released Benson Mayowa in March. Ealy should have an opportunity to fill some of those snaps.
