Jayron Kearse says the Vikings don’t want him back in 2020

The Minnesota Vikings safety didn’t sound interested in returning to the team on social media, potentially creating another hole in the team’s defense.

It wasn’t long ago that the Minnesota Vikings were enamored in the potential of safety Jayron Kearse. At the end of the 2016 NFL Draft, head coach Mike Zimmer was a big fan of Kearse, pounding the table to bring him to Minnesota and make him part of a defense that was on the rise.

But as his contract expires following the conclusion of the 2019 season, it appears those feelings have fizzled out.

With Kearse set to become a free agent, he caused a stir on Twitter on Monday after a post with a pair of “peace” emojis. After a brief conversation with a fan, Kearse spilled the beans saying he didn’t feel the Vikings appreciated his efforts on the field.

“Wish they appreciated me enough to want me to come back,” Kearse said in a response to a fan.

The 244th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft has had an up-and-down career in his four years with Minnesota, making his mark on special teams before becoming a niche player on defense thanks to his strong tackling ability and a potential experiment to move him to linebacker last offseason.

Things soured for Kearse this year, however, as he played in all 15 games, but only recorded 21 tackles. Off the field wasn’t much better for the Clemson product as he was arrested in October for driving under the influence and possession of a firearm without a permit.

Almost simultaneously, Kearse answered “No,” when he was asked by a fan on Twitter if the Vikings were in his future and it appears things haven’t changed.

With the looming free-agent status of Anthony Harris, it would appear that Kearse would have an opportunity if Harris opted to move on in the offseason. Harris was a major piece of Minnesota’s defense this season, however, and he will likely be looking at a big payday, meaning Kearse’s chance at a starting spot with the Vikings would be slim in 2020.