New York Jets Player Profile: Jermaine Kearse
The New York Jets acquired wide receiver Jermaine Kearse from the Seattle Seahawks in the Sheldon Richardson trade, and here’s what he brings to Gang Green.
The New York Jets made an interesting trade last week when they acquired veteran wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and a 2018 second round draft pick from Seattle for defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. New York desperately needed an upgrade at the wide receiver position. Kearse won’t remind anyone of Jerry Rice, but he immediately becomes the seasoned wideout that New York had to have.
Another key to the trade is the second round draft pick. Not only does that give Gang Green two second-round selections next year, but it provides them with capital in case they need to move up in the 2018 draft to try and secure their much-needed franchise quarterback.
With that being said, let’s take a look at the profile for the 6-1, 212-pounder from the University of Washington:
2016 Season Recap
Any way you slice it, Kearse had a disappointing campaign for the Seahawks. After posting a career-high 49 receptions for 685 yards and five touchdowns the year before, Kearse regressed to 41 catches for 510 yards and just one score in 2016. He is still just 27 years old, so why was there a dropoff?
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Part of the reason could be the steady performances of Doug Baldwin, Jimmy Graham and Tyler Lockett. Quarterback Russell Wilson simply had more talented targets to throw to. However, according to ESPN.com, there were other reasons as well:
- Kearse concluded last year with a 51.3 catch percentage, which ranked 77th out of 88 qualifying receivers.
- He committed six offensive pass interference penalties, the second highest figure among wide receivers in the league and
- Kearse had just one red zone reception although he was targeted a team-high 11 times. That’s brutal.
Needless to say, Kearse needs to have a strong bounce-back season for the Jets.
2017 Season Preview
Kearse should start with Robby Anderson out wide but he can also see some time in the slot. He is by no means a speed burner but he is an effective route runner with good hands. Everyone remembers his spectacular, juggling 33-yard catch late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 49 against New England.
In fact, in 12 career playoff games with Seattle, Kearse averaged 15.9 yards per reception with six touchdowns. He has performed quite well on the big stage. Playing under the microscope that is New York should not intimidate him.
Look for Kearse to also be a mentor to the plethora of young Jets wide receivers who can learn from his game preparation and five years of experience in the NFL.
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There is no doubt that Kearse will miss having Wilson throwing to him. New York’s collection of signal-callers leave a lot to be desired. Still, he gives Gang Green a much-needed upgrade at wide receiver, an upgrade that had to occur. He should provide strong leadership but he must cut down on his offensive interference penalties drastically and become a more viable threat in the red zone.
The Jets can use all the help they can get.