How Jayron Kearse's history may aid in extending his stay in Dallas

Safety Jayron Kearse remains one of the few free agents from the Cowboys yet to secure a new deal. The longer he remains unsigned, the higher the likelihood becomes of him re-signing with Dallas. A potential factor that could sway Kearse back to the team is his previous connection with Mike Zimmer, who served as his inaugural NFL head coach during their time together at the Vikings.

It’s not surprising that Kearse has yet to receive a contract offer from Dallas. The team boasts depth at safety with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson as starters, along with promising backups like Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas. If they opt to retain a fifth player, it would likely be someone versatile enough to play cornerback as well, such as Israel Mukuamu.

Kearse, who turned 30 in February, displayed signs of slowing down last season. Despite emerging as a defensive leader for the Cowboys after initially being overlooked in 2021, Kearse’s performance has gradually declined as his career progressed.

Nevertheless, as Kearse remains unsigned, his asking price is likely diminishing. Coaches familiar with his tenure in Dallas, such as Dan Quinn in Washington or Aden Durde in Seattle, might be monitoring his situation post-draft to assess their roster needs. The Cowboys could also extend an offer to Kearse to compete with younger players and provide depth in case of injuries.

While Kearse may have lost support from departing coaches, Mike Zimmer’s previous association with him could potentially work in his favor. Although Kearse primarily served as a depth player during his time with the Vikings under Zimmer’s leadership, their prior connection might prompt Zimmer to consider utilizing Kearse at a reasonable cost.

Ultimately, Kearse’s decision to return to Dallas hinges on various factors, including his role on the team and potential opportunities elsewhere. However, if Kearse’s free agency persists, his history with Mike Zimmer could play a role in his future prospects.