Value Play For Jermaine Kearse
February 17th, 2016
As this post is typed, Joe sits before a plate of Hooters boneless wings pounding the lunch table and demanding Jason Licht upgrade the Buccaneers’ receiving corps in free agency.
America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, deserves the help.
Why should the Bucs gamble on Mike Evans losing his K-Y hands?
Why roll the dice that Vincent Jackson will return to form after knee issues at 33 years old?
Why should Tampa Bay count on Louis Murphy reviving after ACL surgery in November?
Can anyone expect anything from Kenny Bell before he catches his first career preseason pass?
The Bucs need to invest at wide receiver. Simple as that. There’s no reason to fear having a dominant offense.
One potential free agent worthy of scrutiny is Jermaine Kearse of the Seahawks. The former undrafted receiver caught 87 balls the past two seasons and has performed well in the playoffs and Super Bowl.
What’s not to like? NFL.com tabs Kearse as an extreme value.
At 26, Jermaine Kearse might be the type of ascending, plug-and-play receiver that teams are looking for at a fair price. Kearse increased his number of receptions each of the last three years and he finished with a career-high five scores in 2015. The Seahawks routinely received flak for their lack of star power on the outside, but it was because of intelligent wideouts like Kearse and Doug Baldwin that Seattle operated so smoothly. The team let Golden Tate walk in free agency two years ago and Tyler Lockett is starting to command a bigger role in the offense. Seattle loved having Kearse at the RFA tender salary of $2.356 million last season, but will they go any higher? Per contract analyst Joel Corry, a good No. 2 receiver in this market could be asking between $5 and $6 million per year.
Joe is drooling. And it’s not the wings.
Speaking at a charity event yesterday, Kearse explained to The News Tribune that his Seattle future is quite uncertain.
Yes, Kearse can blend with V-Jax and Evans. Remember, the Bucs have an offensive coordinator who knows how to maximize talent and play with three wide receivers.
February 17th, 2016 at 12:44 pm
How much do you pay a #3 receiver? Is he worth 5 million? I don’t know. Guess it depends on how much upside they believe they have in Bell, Humphries, and Dye. Obviously Kearse is more accomplished than all those guys right now. My guess is that someone will massively overpay him. We shouldn’t be that team. If we’re going to overpay a position this year, it should probably be DE.
February 17th, 2016 at 12:50 pm
I’ll take Kearse at 26 years old vs Jackson at 33.
February 17th, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Imo, Seattle was the best team in the NFC again last year despite the loss to Carolina in the NFC title game.
February 17th, 2016 at 12:54 pm
Two names to look out for in FA may come from the Bengals young guys who will help and grow with the team George Iloka (Safety) 25 yrs old Brandon Thompson (DT) 26 yrs old good value at their age.
February 17th, 2016 at 12:58 pm
One of the other Bucs sites had a interesting artical about Bell. Seems Jameis
and Glennon took it upon themselves to assign Bell the role of scout for the opposing team defenses. Another great sign of Winston’s leadership. It was also interesting hearing Bell talk about how happy he was the Bucs put him on IR for a hammie rather than cut him, as he had a horrible preseason and dropped multiple passes. In essence he got beat out last year by Donte Dye and Humphrees but the Bucs wanted to give him more time. They obviously see something in him but Joe has a great point. We certainly shouldn’t be relying on Bell at all at this point. We should be bringing in great talent and making people earn their spot. If Bell is still dipping in M. Evans K-Y jar, he is going to be history.
February 17th, 2016 at 1:00 pm
Bell has some great highlights from college on youtube showing cool one handed catches and some other tough ones. Hope a year on the bench will fix his dropsies.
February 17th, 2016 at 1:04 pm
Would love this signing, not only would it give our WR corps but he comes from a winning team, brings winning mentality. Would be a solid number 3 here.
February 17th, 2016 at 1:29 pm
I’ll put up money saying the Bucs draft Mike Thomas from southern miss in 4-6 round since he played for Todd monken in college last year he’s got good skills and decent size hopefully he runs a decent 40 really hope the Bucs go after Marvin jones pay him 5 million a year and drop Vincent jacksons 9 million can easily get 2 decent recievers like jones and Benjamin or Kearse for what we are paying Jackson makes no sense keeping an overpaid injury prone number 2 for that price and I like Jackson
February 17th, 2016 at 1:33 pm
You don’t have a bone to pick with those wings Joe.
So please allow me. When have the Bucs ever drafted a WR in the mid rounds and actually developed one into a decent #3 or spot duty as #2?
All more reason to draft a stud WR in the 1st or 2nd and bring in an accomplished FA as well. A Kearse, Sanu, Rishard Matthews type guy would be perfect.
Otherwise, if your board says the value isn’t there, go out and spend the farm and get Travis Benjamin and get your DE early.
I don’t care about Bell, Shepard, Dye or any other “prospect” WR on the roster. If they can pull a Cameron Brate and play their way into the 53 then great. If not, great. Find or trade for another WR who can help us make the playoffs.
February 17th, 2016 at 2:02 pm
Guzzie, I’m kind of torn over Jackson, mainly because of the injury and it’s unknowns, but he still should be serviceable. Face it, we’re paying about $4M for intangibles as I see it. We can afford it this year too.
February 17th, 2016 at 2:03 pm
Boneless wings?! Oh the humanity!!
February 17th, 2016 at 2:16 pm
Can the guy consistently catch the football?
If yes, he is worth talking to…
If not, move on…The Bucs have one too many of those on the roster already.
February 17th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Kearse is a slow possession type reciever, but he is an excellent route runner. Imo more than speed we need a good route runner to play opposite of Evans who sucks at running routes. Sign him up. I wonder if we could do a deal like Jackson signed. “It’s all about 3.” Sign him to a 3 yr 3.33mil per year deal. Lmao
February 17th, 2016 at 2:47 pm
So we got the Looney Tunes on ESPN NFL Insiders saying the Bucs will almost definitely cut Verner. Do these guys ever do research? Or is that research just matching stats to salaries?
February 17th, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Pounding the table and demanding?
February 17th, 2016 at 3:27 pm
would rather have Rueben Randle
February 17th, 2016 at 3:37 pm
That would be a great signing, even overpaying a little right now for a number 3. He’d nice to 2 after this year and would get a year of VJax mentoring. Then you got Murphy and Humphries and bell…. I’d lose one of them and draft the speedy kid from ND. He is a legit deep threat.
February 17th, 2016 at 3:50 pm
Hey, if the guy can play and he fits our system I say sign him. The cream will always rise to the top so if guys like Bell, Humphries, and Dye can play, we’ll find out soon enough.
February 17th, 2016 at 4:00 pm
Rishard Matthews would be an excellent value pick up with a speed threat
February 17th, 2016 at 4:03 pm
I agree with Joe. When you look at what Jameis had to work with as a rookie this past season his year is even more amazing.
This is not a good draft for receivers all though I do like Tyler Boyd if he somehow drops to us in the 3rd round.
Unlikely we get anyone at DE in free agency, but there is some quality 2nd and 3rd receivers and there is some quality corners that should be available.
My top wish is we go after one or both of the Rams corners and then we can focus on DL in the draft.
When you look at our needs it is somewhat overwhelming:
2 DE
1 DT
1 SLB
2 S
2 CB
1 OT
1WR
and perhaps a FB if Javorski Lane does not recover well enough.
February 17th, 2016 at 4:21 pm
87
Why not both?
February 17th, 2016 at 4:31 pm
Joe at Hooters today? 😉
https://youtu.be/Ae6IMqpc5ws?t=113
February 17th, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Walk…okay… well it’s not my money.
February 17th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Some of you act like it’s your money being spent. Who cares what he’s worth. If it’s gona help the bucs win games spend the whole effing cap. Not that I’m a fan of Kearse but let’s spend the damn money and surround jameis with some playmakers.
February 17th, 2016 at 5:08 pm
I still think Bell pans out this season
February 17th, 2016 at 5:08 pm
I’m actually hoping for Notre Dame’s Will Fuller in the second round….imagine Jameis with a TY Hilton type
Lethal
February 17th, 2016 at 5:50 pm
We need a receiver that does not suck at holding on to the ball. So if he can catch and hold on, get yards after the catch and not run his yap at the ref’s every time he is in go get him.
February 17th, 2016 at 5:57 pm
It seems to me that the key to our receiver corps would hinge on Lewis Murphy’s recovery and we won’t know that until preseason. Also, the development of Humphiries…and we won’t know that either.
So, it is imperative we add at least a 3rd WR to the group. I would prefer adding a WR that has great speed and can serve as KR/PR……
We have Bell that might fill that role, but that too, is in question.
If we pick up a receiver then for sure Dye is gone…..perhaps Humphries also if Bell works out. I think Shepard could be retained because of his ST work.
So….here’s how it looks.
Evans, Jackson, New, Murphy, Bell, Shepard………..Humphries
February 17th, 2016 at 6:22 pm
Travis Benjamin would be nice.
February 17th, 2016 at 6:33 pm
Whoa whoa….
“KY hands?”
Best.
Name.
Ever.
miKeY Evans?
February 17th, 2016 at 6:50 pm
If Kearse is available and affordable – bring him in. We need another quality receiver.
February 17th, 2016 at 8:24 pm
If Murphy is a key to any team chances that team is in a world of hurt. He’s a mediocre 1 trick pony who is a walking injury. There is a reason he’s been on the couch waiting for the phone to ring half his career to start season. He doesn’t play special teams and is always hurt sorry but if he’s any higher than 5 on any teams receiver depth chart that team is in big trouble. Sorry gator fan bit that is reality.
Bucs need an experienced receiver for when vjax misses gsmes next year. He will miss games. We saw how bad offense was without experience. Humphries and bell are wild cards but should not be counted on. Sanu or Kearse would be instant upgrades .
February 17th, 2016 at 9:57 pm
It took this Gator a while to figure out what you Noles already knew. Jameis will make the most of his WRs. Not the other way around.
February 17th, 2016 at 11:55 pm
If you could completely upgrade this team, would you? In reality we can.
Current cash per overthecap.com, $49,392,453. Minus re-signing half of the UFA and RFA, plus rookie contracts = $20,000,000. >$29,392,453 actual under cap cash available. Below are players to release. Savings – $43,959,778
$43,959,778 + $29,392,453 = ($73,392,231 under the cap cash.)
Vincent Jackson $12,209,778
Logan Mankins $7,000,000
Alterraun Verner $6,750,000
Bruce Carter $4,250,000
Evan Smith $2,500,000
George Johnson $2,000,000
Brandon Myers $1,750,000
Gosder Cherilus $4,500,000
Joe Hawley $3,500,000
Lets go shopping –
WR Rishard Matthews, Dolphins – 3 years, $15-$18 million ($6 million a year)
WR Jermaine Kearse, Seahawks – 3 years, $10.5 million (3.5 million a year)
LT Cordy Glenn, Bills – 5 years, $35-39 million ($5 million a year)
Donovan Smith moves to left guard.
C Alex Mack, Browns Projected Value: 5 years, $43-45 million (9 million a year)
DE Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants – 1 year, $8-10 million (10 million a year)
CB Adam “packman” Jones Bengals – 2 – years 12 million (6 million a year)
SS Walter Thurmond Eagles – 3 years 4 to 5 million (5 million a year)
TE Dwayne Allen Colts – 4 years 6 to 7 million (7 million a year)
K Justin Tucker Ravens – 4 years 16 million (4 million a year)
LB Bruce Irvin – 4 years 28 million (7 million a year)
TOTAL $62,500,000 a year. With all the new contracts there is still $10,892,231 left under the cap. Which can be used to sign Doug Martin or another Safety?? In this years draft add –
R1) CB Mackensie Alexander Clemson (5’10” 195)
R2) DT Vernon Butler Louisiana Tech (6’3″ 316)
R3) DE Shawn Oakman Baylor (6’9″ 280)
February 18th, 2016 at 12:33 am
Godzilla – kudos for all the ciphering and speculation – but get real.
The only people on your “release list” that I as GM would say goodbye to are George Johnson and perhaps Brandon Myers.
Pacman Jones?? Cmon – really?
JPP for 1 year at $10M?? No thanks.
$9M every year for 5 years for a Center? That’s insane
February 18th, 2016 at 1:20 am
87 catches in two years isn’t THAT impressive. His yards are not bad. He has averaged 14+ yards per catch for 3 years straight as well.
All of that said, he is 3 times better than anyone on this team aside from Jackson and Evans. Given enough passes, he might even be better than one or both of them. Fifth year in the league is sometimes a sweet spot for WRs. He’s been consistently improving.
I’d take him. In a heartbeat.
February 18th, 2016 at 1:30 am
Here’s a thought. We’re great, cap-wise. We need depth at WR. Vincent Jackson is pricey, but his leadership is more important than some people comprehend. Here’s what I would do…
Sign Jermaine Kearse.
Sign Marvin Jones.
Keep Vincent Jackson.
Keep Mike Evans.
Let the battle begin. Two will rise to the top…the other two will make the best depth in the league. Jameis will be doing the happy dance.
On the topic of Kenny Bell, I’m not ready to give up on him. The injury kept him from showing his stuff this year, so essentially he is still a rookie. The kid has talent…especially at kick and punt returns.
That’s five WR spots filled. Let the rest of the guys battle in camp for last spot (unless PR/KR doesn’t count).
February 18th, 2016 at 1:31 am
Great thing about the above plan? Jackson can come off the books next year, freeing up almost $10 million…and we might need it.
February 18th, 2016 at 1:32 am
@biff barker
Mike Williams didn’t do too bad.
February 18th, 2016 at 1:33 am
BTW Joe..If they are boneless…they are not wings. They are odd shaped nuggets.
February 18th, 2016 at 1:41 am
Ocala Says
2 DE
1 DT
1 SLB
2 S
2 CB
1 OT
1WR
List is a bit off.
1 DE (Free Agency), 1 DE (1st Round of Draft)
1 S (because one will be resigned)
1 CB (both of ours are fine enough to keep; we could use a good spare though)
1 RT (Free Agency)
1-2 WR (Free Agency) (both Jermaine Kearse and Marvin Jones)
We don’t actually NEED a DT this year. We have good enough to get us through one more year. Of bigger concern will be Guard, if Mankins retires.
February 18th, 2016 at 1:46 am
@godzilla13
Why the Heck would you release the center we finally managed to find?????????
February 18th, 2016 at 1:48 am
@godzilla13
Actually, after reading the rest…I have to say there isn’t a lot I would agree with. Barely any of it. Don’t take it personal.
February 18th, 2016 at 1:54 am
I could see cutting Evan Smith, George Johnson, and Brandon Myers. Maybe Gosder Chrilus, depending on his circumstances. None of the others.
So, going by your numbers, that would free up an extra $11 million.
We could also cut a BUNCH of bottom feeders, but they won’t add up to more than a few million.
February 18th, 2016 at 2:25 am
$2.5M for a veteran (Evan Smith) capable of starting at any of the 3 interior Oline positions and play reasonably well is a bargain.
Cherilus at $4.5M is a tad pricey – but when you consider that Dotson is under contract for $1.75M and Donovan Smith costs $1.3M – that’s only $7.5M for 3 pretty decent tackles (based on Smith and Cherilus’ play last year and Dotson’s play in the past). That’s peanuts for your tackles – so why not keep Cherilus and let him and Dotson fight it out for the RT spot and both cross trains at LT?
I’d get rid of George Johnson and bring back damn near everyone else. Well – not Bowers or Jenkins – LOL
Verner at $6.5 and Carter at $4.5 are both overpaid – but I think both have talent and we need to be keeping what talent we have (and acquiring more) – not getting rid of overpayed players who have already proved that they do have value to the team – whether as starters or excellent backups.
February 18th, 2016 at 7:41 am
@Bucsfan37
Are you really that stupid or are you just drunk? Seattle’s garbage ass didn’t even play in the title game that was Arizona vs Carolina!!! Smh man delete your account you have no business commenting on Herr of you’re that clueless!
February 18th, 2016 at 9:34 am
There nothing special about kearse, I would rather see them sign Benjamin, there one thing this offense lacks…SPEED!!! We have no vertical game, we have to get someone with sum wheels!! And T.Benjamin has a serious set of wheels. A deep threat would open a whole new dimension to this Offense. Ruben Randle would be a nice little addition to our WR core also. This is V-Jax’s last season and we have to start looking for his replacement. Dyes garbo he doesn’t even belong on a 53 man roster and Murphy is a good slot guy but he’s coming off knee surgery and can’t stay healthy, humphries is a solid #4 guy maybe a slot guy if he continues to progress. Sadly he was the only receiver that could Catch the dam ball last season! JW3 needs weapons!!!