2016 NFL Draft Updates: Arizona Cardinals Secure Canadian Footballer Tristan Okpalaugo

Feb 22, 2016 10:26 AM EST

The Arizona Cardinals has just announced that it had signed a one-year contract with defensive end and outside linebacker Tristan Okpalaugo. According to reports, other teams were also looking to secure the athlete, but he decided to go with the Cardinals.

Okpalaugo started his professional football career with the Miami Dolphins in 2013. Then, in the same year, he was transferred to the Minnesota Vikings before ending up with the Dallas Cowboys. He then played for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League in 2014.

According to AZ Central, the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks have already stated their desire to get Okpalaugo for their respective rosters and have even presented their own deals. But, after visiting the two teams, the 26-year-old athlete decided that the Cardinals' program is the best one out there for him.

"Tristan Okpalaugo just signed with the Arizona Cardinals," Brett Tessler, the athlete's agent tweeted. "Several teams [were] interested, but the opportunity there was ideal."

Other details of the contract between Okpalaugo and the Cardinals, such as his salary, were not revealed.

Given his experience in the NFL, Okpalaugo could do well with the Cardinals. During his stint with the NFL, he accumulated 58 tackles, 20 sacks, and two interceptions. The athlete's capabilities could come in handy since the Cardinals is looking to improve its overall pass rush strategy.

Of course, Okpalaugo will probably not be the last new member of the team. According to Revenge of the Birds, the team is looking to get a new inside linebacker since Kevin Minter only has one season to go on his contract.

It is not yet clear who will replace Minter the sports analyst Mike Mayock has a few suggestions. The include Jaylon Smith from Notre Dame, Myles Jack from UCLA, Reggie Ragland from Alabama, Darron Lee from Ohio State and Deion Jones from the LSU.