Updated

The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive tackle Henry Melton to an incentive-laden one-year contract with the free agent coming off a major knee injury.

The deal signed Wednesday has a $1.25 million base salary and could be worth up to $5 million. The Cowboys hold a three-year option after the 2014 season.

The 27-year-old Melton missed most of last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in September.

Dallas is trying to rebuild its defensive line after franchise sacks leader DeMarcus Ware was released and 2013 leader Jason Hatcher signed with Washington.

Melton has 15½ sacks in 48 career games but will be needed more as a disruptive force in the middle.

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