Michael Sam
St. Louis Rams defensive lineman Michael Sam (96) addresses the press after practice at Rams Park. Reuters/Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys will announce Wednesday the signing of free agent rookie defensive end Michael Sam to their practice squad, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The NFL’s first openly gay player to be selected in the draft flew to Dallas on Tuesday night and underwent a physical on Wednesday morning.

The St. Louis Rams selected Sam in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft. However, the 24-year-old was among the team’s final cuts as it trimmed down to the required 53-player roster ahead of the 2014 regular season. Sam cleared waivers and became a free agent on Monday. He recorded 11 tackles and three sacks in four preseason games with the Rams.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett announced the signing at a Wednesday morning press conference. "We evaluated him as a football player and felt he could help us as a football player," Garrett said.