Jeff

Zgonina

Zgonina held the same position with the Texans in 2013. 45-year-old Zgonina played 17 seasons in the NFL as a versatile defensive lineman. In New York, Zgonina will try to jump start one of the league’s weakest defensive lines.

The Dolphins are continuing to play more 3-4 defense under Dom Capers. Zgonina, a solid veteran, could see action when Jason Taylor plays with his hand up.

Zgonina was apparently atop Houston’s defensive tackle “emergency” list despite being 39 years old and having zero sacks since 2005. He may only be a camp body, but we would’ve gone with Vonnie Holliday or Ellis Wyms.

The Texans will also be without leading tackler Zach Diles, which benefits the Ravens rushing trio headlined by Ray Rice. Veteran Jeff Zgonina and rookie Frank Okam will fill in for Okoye.

Low-risk signing for Houston, who had many similar and productive pickups last off-season. The 36-year-old Zgonina is joining his seventh team and will play in a rotation at tackle.

He’s one of many veteran linemen leaving the Dolphins this off-season. Two other Dolphins free agents made visits with the Jets Tuesday: FB Darian Barnes and DE David Bowens.

A great pick. Houston hasn’t been able to muster an interior pass rush for as long as we can remember. Okoye will likely begin his career as a “three-technique,” or pass-rushing tackle, but has the size potential to grow into a nose. He will combine with Anthony Maddox, Travis Johnson, and Jeff Zgonina to form an underrated group on the interior.

“I understand there’s got to be a need by an injury for me to probably get a job or some team that’s not happy with what they have might take a run at me,” said Zgonina. He’ll be available on emergency lists during the season.