Former Lions DE Kerry Hyder signs with Cowboys

Kerry Hyder Jr. was one of the better feel-good stories of the Detroit Lions for the past few years, but he’ll be playing elsewhere in 2019.

The Dallas Cowboys announced on Monday they have signed Hyder to an undisclosed free agency deal.

Hyder was a testament of hard work and dedication. He always seemed to enter the year as a long shot to make the final 53-man roster, and he always seemed to make such a huge impression in the final preseason game that coaches just simply could not ignore.

It all came together in 2016, when Hyder finally got a real chance during the regular season. In 16 games played (two starts), Hyder accumulated 36 tackles and 8.0 sacks.

Unfortunately, the next year would signal the beginning of the end for his time in Detroit. In the Lions’ opening preseason game, Hyder tore his Achilles, immediately ending his 2017 season.

Hyder was able to make the team again in 2018, but with an entirely different defensive coaching staff and a new defensive scheme, it was clear he wasn’t the best of fits. He spent most weeks inactive and only managed 153 total defensive snaps, despite Detroit’s dire need for edge help. Hyder entered 2019 as a restricted free agent, but the Lions did not tender him an offer.

Hopefully, Hyder will continue to fight against the odds in Dallas and carve out a nice career with the Cowboys.