The Seattle Seahawks may not be big-time players in the free-agent market due to a less-than-stellar cap situation, but this doesn’t mean the team is going to refrain from retaining its own players.
On the same day that Seattle re-signed cornerback Jeremy Lane, it has reportedly retained wide receiver Jermaine Kearse:
Seattle reached agreement with WR Jermaine Kearse – back to Seahawks, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2016
This is a semi-major surprise after it appeared Kearse was going to bolt the Pacific Northwest for greener pastures in free agency.
Apparently, he didn’t find a market to his liking after talking with a few teams interested in his services.
The deal is said to be worth just $13.5 million over three seasons.
Considering the signing comes on the same day that Mohamed Sanu agreed to a five-year, $32.5 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, this was a major steal for Seattle.
Kearse, 26, recorded 49 receptions for 685 yards and five touchdowns this past season, all numbers representing career-highs for the four-year veteran.
The former Washington standout will now return to a wide receiver group that includes Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett, both of whom had breakout campaigns last season.
Add in the return of Jimmy Graham from injury, and Russell Wilson has a whole host of weapons to toss the rock to in the passing game.