As the second wave of free agency gets underway, Pro Football Focus took a look at the best fits for some of the remaining free agents. And when it came to the New York Giants, wide receiver Jermaine Kearse was the name that popped up.
The question is, do they really need him?
The Giants made some serious moves at the wide receiver position this offseason. Odell Beckham Jr. was sent to Cleveland, Golden Tate was signed to offset that loss, Darius Slayton was drafted, Sterling Shepard was given a contract extension and Russell Shepard was re-signed. Not to mention they still have tight end Evan Engram.
So what would the Giants have to gain by adding a veteran like Kearse? PFF broke it down:
Kearse’s two-year stint in the Big Apple with the Jets in 2017 and 2018 didn’t go as planned, as he earned sub-70.0 overall grades in each of the two years and caught just six touchdown passes. However, the 29-year-old wideout still offers upside as an option with the ability to move the chains.
If signed by the Giants, Kearse would have the opportunity to earn a significant role behind the newly signed Golden Tate and budding star Sterling Shepard, while providing Eli Manning (or Daniel Jones) steady hands. Kearse has just 23 drops on 469 targets throughout his career.
Kearse is a veteran receiver who could provide a solid option and add depth at the position. He’s spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets, so he’s already familiar with the New York media and all that comes with living in the Big Apple. Not to mention his knowledge of the game, something he could impart to the Giants young players.
Whether the Giants choose to add depth at the wide receiver position during this second wave of free agency remains to be seen, but given who is out there, Kearse might not be a bad choice.
