5 most surprising players from the Dallas Cowboys’ 2021 season
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthelandryhat-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F17516824-850x560-8f368db3179a0c62641e4208d332799e0bd179482df84d44e0946defc500fe34.jpg)
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.
Anything short of me being the best safety in the league next year ain’t gone cut it
— JK (@Jayronkearse8) March 22, 2022
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.