Dallas Cowboys: Kony Ealy addition creates competition
By agreeing to a deal with former second round pass rusher Kony Ealy, the Dallas Cowboys create more competition at the position this offseason.
The Dallas Cowboys are perceived to have many positional needs this offseason. Defensive end wasn’t particularly high on that list. Especially when you consider the Cowboys recently used their franchise tag to retain premier pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence for another season. And the fact they opted to use the 2017 first round selection on Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton.
The Cowboys did release 2016 sack leader Benson Mayowa last month. But despite his departure, Dallas still has plenty of bodies manning the position.
The depth chart currently includes veteran Tyrone Crawford, Lewis Neal and Datone Jones. All three of whom can also kick inside to tackle. And a versatile defensive lineman like David Irving can also move from defensive tackle to outside in a moment’s notice.
The defensive line room is currently filled with players. And not to mention the expected return of former fourth rounder Charles Tapper, who has struggled with injuries his entire career, and a possible reinstatement of Randy Gregory, the talented pass rusher who is currently on a drug-related suspension.
All of these players seem to indicate that defensive end is not an area of pressing need on this Cowboys roster. Yet, Dallas went ahead and seems to have agreed to sign a free agent at the position anyway.
According to numerous reports, the Cowboys have agreed to terms with former New York Jets defensive end Kony Ealy. A second round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, the Missouri alum spent his first three seasons in Carolina, racking up a total of 76 tackles and 15.0 sacks during his time there.
A trade sent Ealy to the New England Patroits last March. But he was quickly released during final cuts. The Cowboys placed a waiver claim for Ealy, but the Jets won the young pass rusher instead. He racked up 14 combined tackles, 1.0 sack and an interception while starting four games for New York in 2017. Ealy also recorded an incredible nine pass defends.
Rumors had the Jets and the 26-year old Ealy discussing a possible extension, but now it appears the highly-sought after defender will finally play in Big D.
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Although the Dallas Cowboys certainly have many capable players manning the defensive end position, one of their focuses this offseason has been to create more competition across their roster. Adding Ealy certainly does that while also giving the team more options in the immediate future when it comes to trimming the fat off their roster. Veterans with high contracts beware.