IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys have signed free agent Amobi Okoye, a former first-round pick in 2007, to a two-year deal.
Okoye could possibly give the Cowboys some help at defensive tackle if he can get healthy, something that has been a challenge for the former No. 10 overall pick of the Texans in 2007.
Okoye reunites with Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, who coached him two years in Chicago from 2011-12.
Still just 26 years of age, Okoye will likely play the 3-technique in the Cowboys' 4-3 scheme.
"We like a lot of things about him. He's a young player coming out of (Louisville)," Garrett said of Okoye."He has a lot of talent. Rod was around him in Chicago so we know him well. We think that's a positive thing. He's had some health issues the last year or so where's lost some weight. We feel like he has a chance to be a contributor on the line."
In four years with the Texans, Okoye started 58 of 62 games. He played 25 games in two [embedded_ad] years with the Bears but only started once. Out of football in 2013, Okoye might have some position flex at tackle.
"We feel like he has the move to play (3-technique) but he can certainly play the nose," Garrett said. "We're not going to rush him into anything. But it's good to have him in here."
To make room for Okoye's spot, the Cowboys waived linebacker Jonathan Stewart, who spent time on the practice squad last year.
