Jess Haynie
he Dallas Cowboys clearly believe that their safety position needs an overhaul this offseason. Despite already making some free agent signings which could help, the team is reportedly in the midst of contract negotiations with another veteran in Damontae Kazee.
Just yesterday, Dallas signed Jayron Kearse to a one-year deal. Last week it was former Pro Bowler Keanu Neal, and a few days before that was the re-signing of Jourdan Lewis. Though he’s played cornerback so far in the NFL, Lewis has been considered for a potential transition to safety.
If the Cowboys do reach an agreement with Kazee, it will only add to the sweeping change in Dallas’ defensive backfield.
The signing of S Jayron Kearse, who provides depth and special teams ability, does not preclude Cowboys from signing Damontae Kazee or Malik Hooker. Team working to secure Kazee now. https://t.co/cYQdpXOizo
The Cowboys also interviewed former 1st-round pick Malik Hooker yesterday. While it sounds like Kazee may be their first choice, Hooker could still be in the mix depending on physicals, contract talks, and Kazee’s visit with Detroit.
Jayron Kearse isn’t seen as a starting candidate; more of a reliable backup and strong special teams player. The majority of safety reps in 2021 will likely go to Keanu Neal, Donovan Wilson, and whoever else Dallas brings in.
Like Neal, Kazee has spent his entire NFL career so far playing for Dan Quinn in Atlanta. The Cowboys are banking on Quinn’s arrival as defensive coordinator to improve things after a horrible year under Mike Nolan. Hopefully, some of his former players will help him communicate and install his vision.
Clearly, the Cowboys aren’t done yet at safety. Whether it’s Kazee, Hooker, or perhaps someone else, Dallas appears to be investing far more in the position than they have in recent years.
Thank you, Jess, for a good article and good news. The front office has neglected the safety position for so long I’m having trouble keeping up with the players they’ve brought in because I expected the same neglect this off season. My usual mantra is no players with serious injury history but, dang, I almost don’t care at this point. Just get somebody that can play! I was really pulling for Woods when he got drafted from my Alma Mater. He was a heat seeking missile in college. But, then, he opened his mouth during an interview and lamented that no player gives 100%. That, some poor personal play and a historic awful defense seems to have sealed his fate. If he’s back, it’s special teams and depth at the position. His ship has sailed.
I really have my doubts about Kazee, Hooker and especially Kearse. I don’t think any of them upgrade the position from Woods and Wilson. Hopefully, they can get a good CB and good Safety in the draft (Think Patrick Surtain, Caleb Farley or Jaycee Horn or even Asante Samuel, Jr. at CB, and Trevon Moehrig, Jevon Holland, or Richie Grant at Safety).
Woods was really bad last year. Think you’ll be surprised.
Dallas has to get better linebackers and cornerback depth too. draft will be the longterm fix