The Cowboys were an abomination defensively in 2020 finishing 28th in points allowed and 31st against the run. Last season saw a turnaround on that side of the ball for the Cowboys, and an unexpected name played a major role in that happening.

Safety Jayron Kearse put his John Hancock to a one-year deal with the Cowboys last March. At first, he was seen as a depth signing, but he became the starter at strong safety in Week 2 and kept that spot for the final 15 games he played in.

Dallas reworked the deal of edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, inked wide receiver Michael Gallup long-term, and re-signed safety Malik Hooker. However, according to Pro Football Focus, the best move the Cowboys have made this offseason was bringing Kearse back.

Brad Spielberger on Kearse:

"Kearse had a breakout 2021 campaign in his first full season as a starter after showing flashes of high-level play through his first five seasons. He had just three missed tackles alongside 75 completed tackles and 16 assists, an incredibly low 3.2% missed tackle rate at safety that earned him a 90.0 tackling grade, an area he’s always excelled in.

"Add in 11 quarterback pressures on just 39 pass-rush snaps with a very respectable 76.2 coverage grade with nine pass breakups and two interceptions, and retaining Kearse on a two-year, $10 million deal looks like one of the better bargains in the secondary this offseason."

Kearse was a godsend for the Cowboys at safety, especially with their recent history of not putting a lot of resources into the position. He showed that his skill set can stretch to other areas as he excelled in a hybrid safety/linebacker role and was superb at covering tight ends.

After splitting his time between defense and special teams with the Vikings and Lions, Kearse played a career-high 1,014 defensive snaps in 2021, nearly equaling his total over his first five seasons. Kearse made them all count, setting career highs in tackles (101), passes defended (10), and interceptions (2).

Kearse simply needed the opportunity to showcase his skills consistently, and he got that with the Cowboys last season. Despite his success and a new deal, Kearse is keeping a gritty approach to how he plays the game.

“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.”

If Kearse can repeat or exceed what he did a year ago, the Cowboys' defense has a chance to put another quality unit on the field in 2022.

Feature image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports