Detroit Lions made a surprising move on Monday, deciding to part ways with starting safety Jayron Kearse with one game remaining on their schedule.
Kearse made seven starts and played 11 games with Detroit since signing with the team in the offseason. He performed well, recording 59 tackles, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 2020.
The Lions most likely made the decision because they want to give more playing time to their younger players. This includes 2018’s third-round pick Tracy Walker and last year’s third-round selection Will Harris. Both players were heavily featured in last week’s game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers and are expected to play most of the snaps in Week 17 against Minnesota Vikings.
Kearse, on the other hand, will most likely get an opportunity to play meaningful football for the remainder of the season elsewhere. Playoff-bound teams are expected to give him a look, and he could easily be on a roster once the postseason kicks off.
Before joining the Lions, Jayron Kearse spent the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He played 62 games in Vikings’ jersey, totaling 79 tackles, eight pass deflections, one interception, and 0.5 sacks.
