The Philadelphia Eagles may sign a former starter who was cut loose by the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. Although Jayron Kearse established himself as the team’s starting safety, he has been a free agent since the end of the previous campaign.
SI.com writer Patrick McAvoy thinks that the Eagles and Kearse would be a good fit, and on July 16 he explained why Kearse would make sense as a free agent signing in Philly.
Kearse would not be an expensive option, and the Eagles could certainly afford him. McAvoy stated, “The Eagles have plenty of cap space and still should look for ways to add depth and Kearse could fit that description well. The Eagles may not want to make a major splash as they want to try out James Bradberry at safety.”
It’s an intriguing concept, and moving forward would undoubtedly have a big impact on Dallas. Although it wouldn’t be ideal to see Kearse twice a year, the Cowboys are moving on from him for a reason.Even though Mike Zimmer is the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, Kearse is well-versed in both the Cowboys and the NFC East.
Kearse Remains in Dallas for Three Years
At a critical juncture in his career, Kearse joined the Cowboys from the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions after five years and only twelve career starts. Dallas gave the former Clemson Tiger, who had never really established himself as a regular starter, that chance.
Kearse, 30, posted career highs in interceptions (2,), passes defended (10,), and tackles for loss (9).) In many respects, he lived up to the opportunity.
Kearse instantly paid off for the Cowboys and themselves when they signed him to a one-year, $1.2 million contract. After the season, Dallas signed Kearse back for two years, giving him $10 million total, according to Spotrac.
Kearse recorded at least one interception and four passes defended in 2022 and 2023, however he didn’t quite match those stats either. Dallas’ decision to move on from Kearse is understandable given the success of Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, but it’s odd that he hasn’t been able to sign with another teams.
53-Man Roster Could Miss Veteran Cowboys Defender
Cowboys LB Damien Wilson may be joining Kearse on the open market while he remains a free agent. Wilson was mentioned by Cowboys Wire reporter K.D. Drummond as a possible cut candidate following his small 2023 role.
According to Drummond, Wilson was a first-round pick of the Cowboys who went on to win a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs after finding fame elsewhere. When the ranks were thinned out in the latter half of 2023, Dallas signed him out of the league and brought him back this summer. He has never worked with Zimmer and is most likely in the LB5 or LB6 range, so he could be in danger if any of the kids behind him show up.
Markquese Bell and DeMarvion Overshown are two of the Cowboys’ young linebacker prospects. Keeping a rotational veteran like Wilson is not as appealing as giving fresh talent like that pair a chance.