$10 million free agent and Dallas Cowboy safety, Jayron Kearse may shockingly sign with NFC East rival the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. According to a report, the Clemson product is an ideal fit for the Eagles secondary. The Cowboys have been the quietest as far as their offseason moves while it has featured most marquee departures. However, Kearse is one of the few Cowboys other than Stephon Gilmore who are still available and could find a deal soon.
Safety has been a glaring issue for the Eagles but he could be the ideal veteran upgrade to help alongside Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Philadelphia is looking to rebuild its defense after having the biggest collapse in the league last season. It looked like they had all the right pieces but it came crashing down in their wild-card defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Kearse could provide some insurance policy to the secondary that has been close to the Super Bowl before.
Last year, the Clemson product posted 72 total tackles with one interception and 1.5 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he was able to hold opposing receivers to just 10.9 yards per reception when quarterbacks were targeting him. Kearse could be the “joker” type role in Vic Fangio’s defense considering he has plenty of experience playing linebacker. The Cowboys wouldn’t be missing out on the Clemson product as they seem to have strength on defense.
Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are the starters for the secondary but they could use some depth. However, it’s not the biggest need considering they have been overhauling their entire roster. Gilmore doesn’t look to come back as well since he may make a return to Tennessee. It shouldn’t be surprising for anyone to see Kearse come back but that’s out of the question.
$10 Million Free Agent Jayron Kearse May Shockingly Sign with NFC East Rival Philadelphia Eagles
Will He Return to Dallas?
It’s not the biggest loss for the Cowboys if they decide not to bring Kearse back. He’s still available but his past could extend his future with the team. The longer he goes unsigned, the more chances he may wind up in Dallas increases. Kearse does have some history to revisit with new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was his coach in his early days with the Vikings.
Zimmer was the reason Kearse was able to find a job in the NFL after seeing potential in him. It shouldn’t surprise anyone he hasn’t been brought back to the team considering they’re stocked at the safety position. Wilson and Hooker are the starters but Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell are bringing excitement to the position. However, he’s been a hidden gem for the team even if he doesn’t circle back.
Kearse’s production has been slowing down after having a late start to becoming an impact player. This can all change in a blink if he winds up with a new team. His asking price may dip lower the longer he’s still on the market. Here are some potential destinations for Jayron Kearse.
Potential Destinations
The Kansas City Chiefs are still looking to fill the void after L’Jarius Sneed’s trade. Kearse provides a low-cost effective option for a team that needs a solid veteran. He’s not gonna replicate what Sneed was able to do but it’s better to see what he can do on the field as a starter. However, the Saints are still looking to add to the safety position opposite of Tyrann Mathieu.
They were looking into Jamal Adams as a solid piece but Kearse may go cheaper. It’s a low risk when considering the asking price at this point in the season. Adams was also visiting the Ravens which is interesting when they have Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. However, one update came out that they’re interested in adding depth to the safety position.
Kearse would be a perfect fit under John Harbaugh’s system after losing Geno Stone this offseason.
