Report: Lions signing former Vikings safety Jayron Kearse

While we all wait for news regarding Darius Slay, the Detroit Lions are continuing to build their depth in the secondary. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions are adding former Vikings safety Jayron Kearse on a one-year, $2.75 million deal.

Kearse, a former seventh-round pick out of Clemson, has been with the Vikings his entire four-year NFL career. He has mostly been a special teamer for Minnesota, leading the team with 18 special teams tackles in 2018. He continued to be a force there in 2019.

However, Kearse comes with some baggage and a potential looming suspension. Last October, he was arrested after failing a sobriety test while in possession of a pistol without a permit. In February, he pleaded guilty to fourth-degree driving while intoxicated and possessions of a piston without a permit. He was sentenced to probation and community service, but there is an expectation that Kearse will still see some discipline from the league.

Given his special teams skills, Kearse will likely push for a special teams spot on the roster against the likes of C.J. Moore and Dee Virgin.