According to NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport, safety Barry Church is expected to sign a four-year deal worth more than $6 million per year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Church spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Barring a change of heart, #Cowboys safety Barry Church is expected to land with the #Jaguars on a 4-year deal worth more than $6M per year
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
Report: Barry Church To Sign With Jacksonville Jaguars
Church has turned himself into quite a player the past seven seasons with the Cowboys. He became a starter in his third season with the team and has been very productive. Church hasn’t been the defensive play-maker the team has needed but he has been consistent. Church’s heart and hustle cannot be denied.
During his tenure with the team, he has produced 488 tackles with 363 solo stops. At 6’2” and 218 pounds, the veteran has the size to remain a stalwart against the competition. He earned his stripes as a rookie in 2010, finishing fourth on the team in tackles. He was often in the right place at the right time, creating a sense of trust among his teammates and coaches.
The safety has become one of the team’s most dependable and durable defensive players over the years. Church has caused seven fumbles, recovered three and intercepted five passes in his career. Look for him to continue to put himself and his defensive cohorts in the proper position to create more turnovers.
His experience has proven invaluable to defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli who praises the player for his knowledge of the cover 2 scheme the Cowboys have used the past few seasons. Church has endured a few bumps and bruises due to his fearless play.
In 2016, he missed for games with a fractured forearm. The player still managed to lead the team in interceptions with two. He also made 85 tackles, including 61 solo, forced a fumble and defensed four passes. Church also made 12 tackles against the Detroit Lions in week 16.
Church started for four years at Toledo where he recorded 354 tackles, intercepted nine passes and was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award as a senior. He also participated in the East-West Shrine game before joining the Cowboys in training camp and earning his roster spot.
