The San Francisco 49ers will be without Talanoa Hufanga for an extended period, and a former Dallas Cowboys defensive back could be an option to fill the gap.
After three seasons as the Cowboys’ starting strong safety, Jayron Kearse entered free agency with little interest. The 30-year-old safety remained unsigned as Week 6 began, which could benefit the 49ers.
With Hufanga on injured reserve and Ji’Ayir Brown recovering from an injury sustained in the 49ers’ 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, the team might consider adding depth. Among available free agents, Kearse could be a strong candidate.
Kearse, with 54 NFL starts across eight seasons, is currently unsigned after a difficult 2023 season, in which Pro Football Focus gave him a 40.9 coverage grade. While that might deter the 49ers, Kearse could be a low-cost option for a competitive team looking for a rebound season.
His 2022 contract with the Cowboys was for two years and $10 million. San Francisco could likely negotiate a much lower figure than his previous $5 million annual salary.
Kearse Earns Starting Role with Cowboys Before joining the Cowboys, Kearse had started just 12 games in his NFL career. The former Clemson player was a seventh-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, selected by the Minnesota Vikings.
Kearse spent four years as a backup in Minnesota before taking on a larger role during a one-year stint with the Detroit Lions in 2020. However, it wasn’t until he arrived in Dallas that he solidified his position as a starter.
According to Pro Football Reference, Kearse defended 10 passes, recorded two interceptions, and made 9 tackles for loss (TFLs) with Dallas in 2021. He added another interception in 2022, though his pass deflections decreased to two, along with 7 TFLs.
Kearse’s 2023 season was productive as well, with four passes defended, one interception, and 4 TFLs. During his three seasons with the Cowboys, Kearse also proved effective as a blitzer, registering 4.5 sacks.
49ers Face Another Hufanga Injury Hufanga’s latest injury is a setback for both him and the 49ers. He had recently returned from a significant ACL tear in Week 11 of the 2023 season, only to suffer a wrist injury that will sideline him for at least four weeks.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan explained that Hufanga tore ligaments in his wrist on October 8, but has provided few details beyond that. When the team placed Hufanga on injured reserve, they promoted tight end Brayden Willis to the active roster.
This is not a direct replacement for Hufanga, and the 49ers are likely assessing their options at safety. Brown is expected to start alongside backup safety George Odum. As of now, the 49ers have rookie Malik Mustapha as their only backup safety.
On the practice squad, the 49ers have safety Jaylen Mahoney, a rookie from Vanderbilt. Mahoney played in 54 games during college, recording four interceptions, 18 passes defended, and four sacks.
