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Okoye

He’s also drawn interest from the Bucs, Patriots, and Broncos, but Cincinnati will be Okoye’s first known visit. The Bears remain interested in re-signing him. Okoye will be part of a three-technique tackle rotation wherever he lands.

A bust in Houston, Okoye was effective as part of a rotation with Henry Melton after signing with the Bears last season, tallying four sacks and 27 tackles. The Bears reportedly explored a long-term extension with Okoye in December, and figure to lock him up before the start of free agency.

The Bengals are in the process of rebuilding their defensive line after losing Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker, and Okoye would join DEs Derrick Harvey and Jamaal Anderson as veteran fliers. Okoye has received no other known interest since the beginning of free agency.

Only the Bengals are believed to have lined up a visit, however. Okoye isn’t known to have had contract talks with the Bears since the beginning of free agency. The former first-round bust will likely be a part of a three-technique tackle rotation wherever he ends up.

Okoye could spell three-technique tackle Geno Atkins in Cincinnati. The free agent visit will take place after this week’s Owners Meetings. Okoye, who’s still only 24, tallied four sacks in 16 appearances with the Bears last season.

A former first-round pick, Okoye started 59 games over the past five seasons, and will likely be part of a three-man rotation with 2011 starters Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. Entering his age-24 campaign, Okoye has upside, and is capable of providing an interior pass rush. He registered four sacks in 16 appearances with the Bears last season.

GM Phil Emery recently hinted Okoye was no longer in Chicago’s plans. Per Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune, Okoye is “likely headed” to Denver, Cincinnati, or Tampa Bay. It sounds like the Broncos quietly entered the bidding.

The Times confirms Okoye is also receiving interest from the Broncos and Bengals, although the Buccaneers could offer him significant playing time in a three-man rotation. Usual third DT Roy Miller is coming off a poor year. Okoye could be the top reserve behind Gerald McCoy and Brian Price.

Okoye, signed after being released by the Texans in July, has been primarily used in a rotation with Henry Melton as a “three-technique” and projects as an ideal fit in Chicago’s 4-3 scheme. The former top-ten pick’s four sacks this season are the second highest total of his five-year career.

It was merely a scope. Okoye is absent from Tuesday’s practice, but coach Greg Schiano expects him to return as early as Wednesday. Expected to be a rotational lineman this season, Okoye should be back to full health for training camp.