3 players on expiring contracts the Cowboys should trade (and 2 they shouldn't)

Cowboys need to keep Jayron Kearse

Throughout the 2022 season and for the first part of 2023, the Cowboys boasted one of the more fearsome trios at safety in the NFL. Malik Hooker has been able to handle the deep coverage while Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson were versatile and played in the box — with Kearse often serving as a hybrid linebacker.

Dallas extended Wilson in the offseason following a breakout campaign. There was a belief he would be gone in free agency but was welcomed back with open arms. Hooker, who still had this year on his current deal, was also signed to an extension that will keep him around for several more years.

As for Kearse, he was given a bonus but still is without a contract in 2024. Perhaps that's due to his age since he will be 30 before the start of the new season. Or perhaps they believe Markquese Bell or Juanyeh Thomas can take his role.

Whatever the reason, Dallas shouldn't consider trading Kearse away if someone calls. It's fair to say the secondary hasn't been as good this season, and even Kearse has the lowest PFF grade of his career.

Having said that, he's still a valuable member of this defense whose contributions go well beyond the numbers. Kearse is a vocal leader and his toughness helps set a tone for this defense. He's someone that should stick around for the remainder of the year, at least.

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