Unlike years past, the Cowboys were led by their defense in 2021. Micah Parsons and his ability to be a productive linebacker and edge rusher was the catalyst for the Cowboys' defensive turnaround. However, another player made a major contribution to this transformation.

Safety Jayron Kearse, who played for the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions during his first five seasons, ended up being the Cowboys' prized offseason addition as he led the team with 101 tackles (career-high) and registered 10 passes defended, the most for all safeties.

That type of elevation in his play put a lot of eyes and expectations on Kearse. ESPN recently listed the most underrated player from each team. After a career season, Kearse was the selection for the Cowboys.

"While it's easy to point to Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs as key factors in Dallas' defensive turnaround last season, the improvement from Darian Thompson and Xavier Woods to Kearse at the safety position was as big as any. Kearse hit free agency off a career-high 15 starts and 67 solo tackles. He was underrated enough that nobody made a real play for him, and he settled for a two-year, $10 million contract with Dallas. His sure tackling and solid coverage probably deserved more of a push from an outside team."

After not starting the season opener, Kearse was the starter at strong safety for the other 15 games he played in (was inactive in Week 18). His play was so good that he was given the green dot to get the defensive calls directly from Dan Quinn.

The former Clemson Tiger was excellent in one area specifically, guarding tight ends. Kearse didn't allow Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs to have a big day and even intercepted a pass intended for him. When the Cowboys hosted the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs, he was a big reason George Kittle only snagged one reception for 18 yards.

Kearse split his time between defense and special teams over his first five seasons (1,095 on special teams and 1,081 on defense) which made seem like more of a depth piece when he was signed. However, he turned himself into a difference-maker and a key component of what the Cowboys do defensively in his hybrid safety/linebacker role.

2022 will be the second season the Cowboys' defense will be run by Quinn. With Kearse resigning, veteran edge Dante Fowler being added to the mix, and the drafting of Sam Williams the Cowboys have the potential to have another good year on defense, and Kearse can't wait to see how things play out.

"I'm looking forward to everything that we have ahead of us, our goals – whether it's individual or team goals," Kearse said. "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 and the rest of the Cowboys' defense will likely be the driving force if the team makes it back to the postseason for a second consecutive year.

Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports