Kony Ealy rumors: 3 best fits

Kony Ealy could be a solid signing for teams in need of young defensive line help, and he could have plenty of suitors in free agency.

Kony Ealy is just 26 years, but has already been on three NFL teams. He spent last year with the New York Jets, after spending the previous three seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Ealy was traded from the Carolina to New England, but the Patriots gave up on Ealy before the season began.

In his four seasons in the league, Ealy has totaled 90 tackles along with 15 sacks. His strongest seasons came in 2015 and ’16 when he totaled 32 tackles in each campaign. Ealy will look for a bounce back year after recording a mere 14 tackles with the Jets last season.

Best fits

1. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys may be set to lose defensive lineman David Irving in free agency. Another team could swoop in to sign Irving from the tender the Cowboys placed on him. Signing Ealy would help the Cowboys create some depth along the defensive line. Ealy could slide into a starting spot, or provide valuable depth. The Cowboys could use pass rush help, which Ealy has shown capable of as well.

2. Buffalo Bills

Ealy has experience with Bills head coach Sean McDermott. McDermott served as the defensive coordinator for the Panthers in Ealy’s first three seasons, where Ealy saw his most success. This could be a reunion for the two that could revitalize the defensive end’s career.

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 3. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders could certainly use help on their defensive line as well. Look for Oakland to make a push for Ealy in the offseason. Oakland has spent its money in the past on their secondary, but it is time to change that. Improving the Raiders front seven is a necessity. Mario Edwards didn’t perform as they had hoped last season. Adding Ealy to the mix could certainly help the Raiders out on the defensive side of the ball.