Dallas Cowboys sign Kony Ealy to bolster pass-rush

The Dallas Cowboys signed Kony Ealy to a one-year deal in hopes of hitting the quarterback and helping out DeMarcus Lawrence.

Dallas has been very quiet this offseason, with the only notable addition being wide receiver Allen Hurns, who came over in free agency from the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Thursday night, owner/general manager Jerry Jones made another minor splash, signing Kony Ealy on a one-year deal.

Ealy has spent time with three teams in the NFL career. The former star at the University of Missouri was drafted in the first round buy the Carolina Panthers in 2014, but he failed to make the impact that was expected. Last offseason, Ealy was dealt to the New England patriots, but he was cut before the regular season began. The veteran was then claimed off waivers by the New York Jets, where he played in 15 games and recorded 11 tackles and one sack.

In Carolina, Ealy looked like he was going to break out in 2015, when he amassed five sacks in the regular season and another three in Super Bowl 50, a loss to the Denver Broncos. Ealy even recorded the last interception of Peyton Manning’s career in that defeat.

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However, the 6-foot-4, 273-pounder was never able to get into a groove with the Panthers, finishing 2016 with only five more sacks.

With the Cowboys, Ealy will benefit form playing under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, one of the best teachers in the game. Look for him to rotate along the line, splitting time with David Irving, Tyrone Crawford, Taco Charlton and others.