5 Cowboys who could be entering their final season with the franchise in 2023

2. Cowboys S Jayron Kearse

When Dallas signed Jayron Kearse ahead of the 2021 season, the move didn't seem to make much noise. But since then, Kearse has made plenty — and it's all been positive.

Kearse has been a defensive leader with 178 tackles, three sacks, and three picks over the past two seasons. He's also been vocal off the field, even showing support for head coach Mike McCarthy when his job status was questioned by Mike Tannenbaum.

Following his breakout campaign with Dallas in 2021, Kearse signed a two-year extension which keeps him under contract through the end of the 2023 campaign. The problem is, he's going to be 30 years old before the 2024 season starts and the Cowboys just invested a lot in Donovan Wilson.

With Wilson making roughly $8 million per season, the front office might not be willing to fork out the cash to keep Kearse around. They also would have to make a decision with Malik Hooker, who will be a free agent as well the same time as Kearse.

If that were the case, they're likely to keep Hooker who plays better in deep coverage. As for Kearse, he's best served attacking the line of scrimmage and that's the same for Wilson and Israel Mukuamu who will both still be under contract next year.

Kearse is a fan favorite and will be the first to wear the No. 0 in Cowboys' history, but his age could wind up working against him — unless he takes a massive discount to stay in Big D.