NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with safety Jayron Kearse on a 1-year deal. Pelissero notes the deal is worth $2.75 million, but official numbers have yet to be released.
Kearse was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2016 Draft and was someone general manager Bob Quinn showed interest in — the Lions had formal meetings with Kearse at the Combine and Clemson Pro Day.
A four-year contributor for the Vikings as a standout special teams player, Kearse (6-4, 215) expanded his duties over the past two seasons, seeing just over 250 snaps on defense as a third safety and situational 43 WILL linebacker. Kearse has a chance to take over the vacated Miles Killebrew role with the Lions.
Kearse immediately becomes a special teams starter in all four-phases but he is an ascending player on defense and will offer the Lions options as a fourth safety — potentially challenging Will Harris for playing time — and is capable of starting in the old Tavon Wilson role if in case of injury.