The Cowboys had a pretty impressive turnaround defensively in 2021. After ranking 31st against the run and 28th in points allowed the season before, the Cowboys' defense led the NFL in turnovers (34) and was the best unit on third down.

A big reason for their success was the surprising play of veteran safety Jayron Kearse. Once seen as a depth signing, Kearse became the starter at strong safety, and he parlayed that into a two-year extension with the Cowboys worth $10 million (up to $11 million with incentives) in March.

As always, expectations grow for a player when the price tag increases, and Kearse is ready to spearhead what the Cowboys hope is another productive season for their defense.

“Around this time last year, I was coming in to compete, just trying to get my feet wet and earn my way here,” Kearse said. “Now it’s established that I’m a leader and guys look at me to lead. The play has to be there, along with me encouraging guys and that type of thing.”

During the first five years of Kearse's career with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, he split time between defensive and special teams snaps, logging nearly 1,100 in both. Last season with the Cowboys, Kearse played 1,014 snaps on defense and started 15 of the 16 games he played in.

Kearse showed versatility as a hybrid safety/linebacker. He was the Cowboys' tight end eraser on defense, and he displayed that against the NFL's best such as Travis Kelce and George Kittle. Also, the former seventh-round pick gained so much trust with his play that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn gave him the green dot as the Cowboys' defensive play-caller.

Although Kearse set career highs in tackles (101), interceptions (2), passes defended (10), and tackles for loss (9), he still has a hunger to take his game to a higher plateau.

"Considering the trajectory of my career, to be at this point that I'm at now, it's a huge accomplishment for me," Kearse said. "But I'm still with the same mindset that there's more out there for me, and I'm working to go get that."

Kearse had some help in making the Cowboys' defense formidable last season. Linebacker Micah Parsons racked up 13 sacks and was named a First-Team All-Pro and Defensive Rookie of the Year. Cornerback Trevon Diggs also received First-Team All-Pro honors by leading the league with 11 interceptions and scoring two defensive touchdowns.

With Quinn as the mastermind, the Cowboys are looking to repeat as one of the league's best units on defense in 2022, and Kearse is eager to see just how high their ceiling can be.

"I'm looking forward to everything that we have ahead of us, our goals – whether it's individual or team goals," said Kearse. "Just the things we can go out and do as a group. We're just gelling together, becoming that tight-knight group that you need to get you through those long seasons."

Kearse went from just another name on the roster to one of the best safeties in the NFL last season, which is a rare accomplishment for any player at any position. Safety was once a weak spot for the Cowboys. However, with Kearse leading guys like Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, and rookie Markquese Bell, it's become a strength.

Feature image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports