Detroit Lions free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: New York Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (10) makes a catch and run during the first quarter of the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on November 25, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 23: Jermaine Kearse #10 of the New York Jets reacts against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

3. WR Jermaine Kearse (New York Jets)

He’s a proven postseason performer who spent each of the first five seasons of his NFL career (2012-16) in the playoffs with the Seattle Seahawks. Former undrafted free agent Jermaine Kearse was a pivotal part of head coach Pete Carroll’s formidable club over that span. During that stretch in the Pacific Northwest, the former University of Washington product hauled in 153 passes for 2,109 yards and 11 touchdowns in the regular season. Kearse added 31 grabs for 493 yards and six scores in a dozen postseason contests.

In 2017, he was part of a deal with the New York Jets that sent defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to Seattle and himself to the Green and White. In his first season with his new employer, Kearse played in all 16 games, made 14 starts, was targeted 102 times and led the team with 65 receptions (good for 810 yards and 5 touchdowns). This past season, there was a considerable drop-off for any numbers of reasons. The seven-year wideout finished with 37 receptions, totaling a disappointing 371 yards and one score in 14 outings.

So could the Lions take a chance and hope that ’18 was the exception and not the rule for a player well-acquainted with the already often-mentioned new offensive coordinator (Darrell Bevell)? Adding Kearse could be a sneaky-good move and eventually offset the loss of wide receiver Golden Tate via last October’s trade to the Eagles.

Next: Jared Cook

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