Kony Ealy has been on the Dallas Cowboys' radar for quite some time, and the Cowboys have finally acquired him. Dallas knows they need defensive help, especially when it comes to getting to the quarterback, and adding Ealy should do just that.

Defensive help arrives

According to Cowboys Wire, the former Carolina Panthers and New York Jets standout will be joining his third team in two years and fourth overall since being in the league. Ealy was originally drafted by the Panthers back in 2014 as the 60th selection overall. Ealy has been on Dallas’ wish list ever since he declared for the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Cowboys had serious thoughts of selecting the 6-foot-4 273-pound defensive end four years ago, and he was actually on the Cowboys' official pre-draft visitor list back in 2014.

The Cowboys ended up going with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence instead of Ealy at that time. Now Dallas will have both of them on their side, and that should only make the Cowboys’ ability to put pressure on the opposing team's quarterback that much stronger.

The long road to Dallas

Ealy’s journey to Dallas was a wild ride. After starring in Carolina and playing well in Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos, the Panthers decided to part ways with the former Missouri Tigers star and traded him to the New England Patriots -- where he was waived before playing a single game in 2017.

Even then the ‘Boys wanted in on the Ealy sweepstakes as they put in a waiver claim to obtain him, however, they were beaten to the punch by the New York Jets. Now that is all behind him and the Cowboys have their man -- five years in the making! While Ealy’s stats don’t blow you away, he does a ton of little things that make him a great player that doesn’t necessarily show in the box score.

Being double-teamed by offensive linemen, forcing the offense into holding penalties, and knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage are just a few examples.

Last season Ealy knocked down nine passes at the line of scrimmage. Adding that kind of player to the D-line with a player like David Irving, who had six knockdowns in eight games, is just the thing Dallas is hoping will strengthen the defense in 2018.

Now the big question is: Does the signing of Ealy make Dallas think offense instead of defense in round one of the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft? Early reports have indicated that the Cowboys are eyeing Washington's Vita Vea and former Michigan Wolverine Maurice Hurst. After signing Ealy, Dallas may select a wideout, like Alabama's Calvin Ridley instead. Stay tuned.
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