Cowboys safety re-sign deemed best offseason move by Bleacher Report
In less than 365 days, Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse went from a no-name to the leader of the safety group. Last year, the former Minnesota Vikings seventh-round pick was given a chance by the Cowboys on a prove-it deal.
Some may think the whole “change of scenery” thing is a cliche, but it was clearly what Kearse needed. In his 15 starts with Dallas last year, he had two interceptions, led the team in tackles, and was the third-highest on the roster in defensive snaps. He exceeded his previous stats in every statistical category.
A lot of people, including Colin Cowherd, believe the Cowboys’ front office didn’t do enough for this roster this offseason. They lost a good amount of starting players on both sides of the ball and only brought in three external players during free agency, two of which won’t even participate in Week 1 (James Washington is injured and Ryan Nall was waived).
Because of the lack of external moves, it’s no surprise that Bleacher Report named a re-signed player as the Cowboys’ best offseason move. That move was re-signing Kearse to a two-year, $10 million extension.
Many were shocked that the Cowboys chose to prioritize the safety group — a position they have neglected for quite some time. Now, aside from Kearse, the depth chart includes re-signed Malik Hooker, offseason standout Israel Mukuamu, and UDFA standout Markquese Bell. The unit looks better than it has in many years.
Jayron Kearse on expectations for this season: “Touch the ball more, in every facet, whether it’s blitzing and sacking the quarterback and forcing fumbles, or more interceptions. Just going out there touching the ball more and being a guy known for always being around that ball.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 26, 2022
Bleacher Report says the re-signing of safety Jayron Kearse was the Cowboys’ best offseason move
While re-signing Kearse was certainly a huge move for the secondary, it’s pretty impressive that Bleacher Report chose his deal over any of Dallas’s draft picks. Does that mean the publication doesn’t think any of the Cowboys rookies will do all that well? Or, is it more of a testament to what Kearse means to this team? Here’s more from Bleacher Report:
"The Dallas Cowboys experienced some big offensive losses. Dak Prescott and Co. are going to have to figure out how to replace Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson Jr., La’el Collins and Connor Williams.That means added pressure on the Cowboys defense, which was one of the most improved units in the league under coordinator Dan Quinn.That’s why it’s a big deal the Cowboys brought back Jayron Kearse on a two-year, $10 million contract this offseason. The 28-year-old had not been a full-time starter before 2021 but was integral to their secondary last season.Most importantly, it keeps the secondary intact. Dallas had the third-lowest passer rating allowed in 2021. Retaining Kearse means the Cowboys will get to enjoy the continuity of keeping that group together as the team relies on its defense."
The retention part is a great point. The offensive side of the ball had much more change, injury, and issues this offseason. Sadly, the defense (like last year) will once again be called upon to make up for what the offense may lack. Keeping almost all of the “main characters” from the Cowboys’ turnaround defense in 2021 is a big deal for Dan Quinn and the entire roster. Kearse is hoping to continue to be one of those key pieces in 2022.
