Jayron Kearse reups with Cowboys in deal that benefits both sides
Former Clemson safety Jayron Kearse resigned with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week in a deal that makes sense for both sides.
Kearse signed for $10 million dollars for two years, with the possibility of making $11 million.
Safety Jayron Kearse re-signing with Cowboys at two years, $10 million, per source. Can make up to $11 million.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 21, 2022
The 6’4, 215 pound Kearse was the Cowboys leading tackler in 2021, racking up 101 combined tackles, two interceptions, a sack, nine tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits in 16 games while playing on a 1 year, $1,127,500 deal.
Very excited to have Jayron Kearse back in 2022. https://t.co/XjsdXyuBua
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 22, 2022
Before the Cowboys Kearse played for the Minnesota Vikings (2016-2019) and Detroit Lions (2020).
Prior to last season Kearse registered a high of 59 tackles with Detroit and had started 12 games in his career, before starting 15 with the Cowboys.
For the journeyman Kearse, the deal more than doubles his total career earnings, should he make all $10,000,000, after playing on his rookie contract in Minnesota and making $2,000,000 in Detroit, which is life changing money for the former Tiger.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, get their leading tackler back for the bargain price of $5,000,000 per season.
Kearse is a very good tackler and a versatile player that can play the deep pass, but also has the size and athleticism to cover an NFL tight end.
Not all Cowboy fans were happy of course, believing Kearse is overpaid and the Cowboys could pay someone less for a similar level performance, but there are very few players that make all of a team’s fans happy, especially one with Kearse’s track record.
Kearse played 39 games at Clemson from 2013-2015, totaling 164 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 7 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries as the Tigers made it to the National Championship game at the end of the 2015 season before falling to Alabama.
Considering he was a 7th round pick (246th overall), Kearse has done well for himself in the league that’s known for chewing up and spitting out players of his pedigree.
If Kearse makes it to the end of this deal he will be a 30 year old free agent safety, which in the NFL is not an age and position that guarantees another contract, nor is it even likely.