With a new offense coming to Florham Park and the Jets looking to improve their weapons around Sam Darnold, there should be an abundance of receivers coming in. That also means there will be receivers leaving as well.
One of those players will likely be Jermaine Kearse. He had a fine 2017 season after coming over to New York in the Sheldon Richardson trade, but Kearse took a major step back under a new coordinator in 2018. He caught just 37 passes for 371 yards and a touchdown last season.
Kearse is coming off a three-year deal worth $13.5 million. His base salary in 2018 was $5 million and it would be hard to see the Jets reaching that number due to Kearse’s poor performance in a contract year. With plenty of other available options, he should only command a $3-4 million salary, if that.
Pros of bringing him back
Kearse’s veteran presence does not go unnoticed. He was a major voice in the locker room despite his noticeable dip in production. The Jets offense is going to see a lot of new faces in green and white, but keeping some level of familiarity might help a young quarterback, as Sam Darnold will be learning his second offense in two years.
The Jets are in need of a slot receiver, and if they could get back Kearse on a team-friendly, prove it deal, he may be worth the risk. He can also mentor young wideouts like Robby Anderson and Deontay Burnett.
Cons of bringing him back
Kearse appeared to be part of the problem in 2018. He often butted heads with Jeremy Bates about the offense and his lack of use. His targets are unlikely to increase in 2019, so that would be setting up a potential feud with the no-nonsense Adam Gase.
The Verdict
The receiver position is due for an overhaul, as the Jets are only likely to keep four members, with one of them being a kick returner. The Jets have money on their side, but a reunion with Kearse seems rather unlikely with the nature of his playing time and the direction of this team.
Keeping Kearse because he has some familiarity with Darnold doesn’t do the Jets justice when there are better fits out there. They are better off scouring the free agent market and adding pieces via the draft.
