Jayron Kearse Signs Contract With Dallas Cowboys

Jayron Kearse, Dallas Cowboys, Agree to Contract

Jayron Kearse had his most successful NFL season in the 2021 season. Kearse signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys and proceeded to start 15 games. Along with that, Kearse played over 1,000 snaps on defense in Dallas, tallying a 94% snap count. Although he moves around the secondary, the past two seasons Kearse has played most of his time at strong safety.

Kearse has had ups and downs during his career in coverage but played well for the Cowboys. He allowed the third-lowest passer rating of his career. Kearse added two interceptions and was created with over 100 combined tackles during the season, including 67 of the solo variety. Kearse started more games for the Cowboys than he did in any of his previous years combined.

Jayron Kearse had some turmoil before last season. The Detroit Lions signed Kearse for the 2020 season, but he was only able to play in 11 games. The NFL suspended Kearse for three games to start his career with the Lions. Kearse was playing with a two-year contract but was not able to finish his first year in Detroit. The team cut him before the 2020 season ended. Before his time with the Lions, Kearse spent four years with the Minnesota Vikings.

Originally drafted in the seventh round, Kearse quickly caught on with the Vikings and was awarded a four-year contract. Playing sparingly on defense his first two years, Kearse saw his snap count spike his last two years in Minnesota. Kearse played mostly special teams the first two years before beginning to acclimate to playing in NFL secondaries. In his final two years with the Vikings, Kearse played an average of 22.5% on defense, tallying 60 total tackles and an interception. Kearse has grown into an NFL starter after spending multiple years playing special teams and being a backup for multiple teams.