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5 most surprising players from the Dallas Cowboys’ 2021 season

By Brandon Martinez

Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones meets with outside linebacker Micah Parsons (11) prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones meets with outside linebacker Micah Parsons (11) prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jayron Kearse, Dallas Cowboys
Jayron Kearse, Dallas Cowboys (Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

2. Jayron Kearse

Stats: 101 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 10 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery

The biggest surprise from 2021 free agency was safety Jayron Kearse by a mile. Kearse spent time in Minnesota before signing a one-year deal with the Lions in 2020. His time in Detroit was short-lived as he was cut that December.

While bargain-shopping in free agency as usual, the Cowboys decided to take a low-cost chance on Kearse, signing him to a one-year deal. People didn’t expect much. However, the former seventh-round pick exploded onto the scene in 2021, playing in a safety-linebacker hybrid role with the Cowboys and more than exceeding expectations.

It was reported on Monday that the beloved safety signed a new, two-year deal with America’s Team, making him a mainstay at the position until 2024. This allows the former Clemson Tiger to hit the market at least one more time when he turns 30, giving him a chance to improve his worth with the Cowboys.

With safety constantly being a position of need for Dallas, the breakout season for Kearse helps the Cowboys focus on other positions of need without paying top-dollar for a good safety. Many fans are happy about this one.

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