Legendary Cowboys executive says Dallas has to keep this one free agent
Jayron Kearse proved in 2021 that he was much more than a depth signing last March. As a part of a wave of safeties that landed in Dallas which included Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee, Kearse stood out among them all by setting career highs in tackles (101) and leading all safeties with 10 passes […]
Jayron Kearse proved in 2021 that he was much more than a depth signing last March. As a part of a wave of safeties that landed in Dallas which included Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee, Kearse stood out among them all by setting career highs in tackles (101) and leading all safeties with 10 passes defended.
As free agency approaches next month, Kearse has positioned himself as a top priority in terms of the players the Cowboys need to keep in-house. On Thursday, Kearse was named the Cowboys' most improved player by Pro Football Focus. On Friday, former Cowboys' executive and NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt gave Kearse more praise by naming him the one free agent that Dallas must retain for 2022.
"The Cowboys are in for a tight cap situation and have 12 defenders headed for free agency, including three safeties (Kearse, Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee). But Kearse stands apart after providing exceptional production on a one-year deal in 2021. Kearse led the team in tackles (98) and was the only Dallas defender with 400-plus snaps to rank in the top five in PFF grades in defense (third), run defense (second), pass rush (third) and coverage (first). He was also one of just three players to top 900 defensive snaps last season. Dan Quinn would surely welcome him back with open arms."
Kearse had several big performances in 2021. He started with a 10 tackle effort in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Thanksgiving, albeit in a loss, Kearse registered a season-high 11 tackles and two passes defended. A week later in a win against the New Orleans Saints, the former seventh-round pick logged nine tackles which included an amazing interception where Kearse dragged his toes to stay in bounds.
The Cowboys showed their trust in Kearse during a Week 8 win against the Minnesota Vikings. He was given the green dot on his helmet as he took over getting the defensive play calls from linebacker Micah Parsons as he communicated with Dan Quinn by wearing a headset.
Kearse amassed 1,081 snaps on defense during his first five seasons in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. He nearly matched that in 2021 by logging 1,014 for the Cowboys which was 94% of their defensive plays for the season, which again, showed how much they believed in his abilities.
Kearse became one of the most important pieces on a Cowboys' defense that led the NFL in interceptions (26) and total turnovers (34) with his leadership and experience. It was something he foresaw last summer.
"I'm just being who I am, and guys pick up on that," said Kearse. "I've got to come in and continue to bring the energy because guys look at me as a leader."
The seven-year veteran certain made good on his word, and now, the waiting game begins to see if that was enough for him to get a second contract with the Cowboys.
Feature image via Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
