Jayron Kearse credits a lot of what he did last season to Cowboys' defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and sang his praises when he was retained by the organization after he sought out a head coaching gig. He played almost as many defensive snaps in 2021 as he did in his first five seasons, and it led to Kearse getting the ultimate compliment from Quinn around midseason when he took the defensive playcalling.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Cowboys and Kearse had begun negotiations on a new contract. It's something Kearse would welcome seeing how he feels Quinn and others in the Cowboys' organization appreciate his talent.

“For me, staying in Dallas is more of a thing where I know Coach Q believes in me,” Kearse said, via the Dallas Morning News. “I know my DB coach believes in me. Everyone in the building believes in me. …Being around a great DB coach like Coach Whitt is something that’s appealing to me, knowing that I’m going to get used in the right way. Wherever they see fit for me for that particular game, that particular day, it’s going to fit my play style best.

“But at the end of the day, this whole entire process is a business. I’m going into Year 7. This is my time. I just want what I’m worth. I’m hoping that’s in Dallas, but if it’s not, I have to make the best decision for my family.”

As free agency is set to commence next week, the question is what will the market be for Kearse. His valuation is $5.8 million per Over The Cap which is a lot more than the $1.1 million he made in 2021.

Once seen as just another guy on the roster, Kearse had personal bests in several categories last season. He set career highs in tackles (101), interceptions (2), and passes defended (10) and became one of the leaders of a Cowboys' defense that saw significant improvements from 2020.

The Cowboys recently restructured the deals of Dak Prescott and Zack Martin to create $22 million of salary cap space. The trade of Amari Cooper on Saturday cleared $16 million of cap space. If the Cowboys can find a trade partner for La'el Collins, it would open up another $1.3 million.

Retaining Kearse is easily doable for the Cowboys. His excellent play on the field, relationship with Quinn, and leadership have made him one of the most important in-house free agents the Cowboys will try to bring back.

Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports