Cowboys' key defender might be playing his last season in Dallas
Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse has quickly become one of the most important pieces on Dan Quinn's defense. His elite versatility allows him to do just about everything, essentially playing a hybrid safety/linebacker role which often translates into nickelback-type duties as well. But is his time in Dallas running out? The Cowboys might be leaving […]
Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse has quickly become one of the most important pieces on Dan Quinn's defense.
His elite versatility allows him to do just about everything, essentially playing a hybrid safety/linebacker role which often translates into nickelback-type duties as well.
But is his time in Dallas running out? The Cowboys might be leaving some clues that suggest that is the case.
Kearse will play on a contract year as his deal is set to expire after the season. The fact that the Cowboys already opened up the wallet for teammate Donovan Wilson means that a deal for Kearse will be more complicated.
As a franchise that doesn't value the safety position as much (or at least they didn't before Dan Quinn got there), will they be willing to commit more money to it by paying another starter big money?
Last year, the Cowboys signed undrafted free agent Markquese Bell to the team. As a player who was projected as a younger version of Kearse himself, the rookie made the 53-man roster while the defensive coordinator raved about his skill set.
He appeared to be the natural successor to Kearse.
But even in 2023, the Cowboys appear very interested in finding a similar player in the draft.
Among their Top 30 visits, you can find at least a couple of players who have experience at both safety and linebacker: DeMarviown Overshown (LB Texas) and Marte Mapu (LB/S Sacramento State).
Even linebacker Trenton Simpson, who's a projected first-second round pick out of Clemson, could play a versatile role on Quinn's defense. He looks like a safety and played that role against Georgia last year.
These visits would suggest that the Cowboys could be looking to find another potential replacement for Kearse besides Bell, who's already on the roster.
However, Kearse will make it tough for the team to find somebody who can do what he does. And from what we've learned from him over the last couple of years, he won't back down.
Another strong season from him could force the front office to admit he's not easily replaceable. It will be an exciting season to watch Kearse do his thing.
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