The Seattle Seahawks have spent the last few seasons making sure they re-sign all of their defensive stars and this offseason could see the focus shift to offense as the team has some key stars to either bring back or replace. The Seahawks have to replace Marshawn Lynch following his retirement from the league while making a decision on Jermaine Kearse. The wide receiver is a free agent this offseason and he admits he has no idea if he is coming back.
When asked by Seattle's News Tribune if he would be returning in 2016, Kearse responded, "I don't know. I'm not sure." Kearse will test the market. The receiver has been playing the last three on a league minimum contract. Now he stands the chance to command at least $4 million per season on the open market. Kearse already made it clear that he does not intend to take a hometown discount to stay in Seattle, but he would like to return to the Seahawks if the option is there.
"I love my hometown, but I've put in too much hard work to give a discount," Kearse said via ESPN.com. "My number one priority is to take care of my family's future, so I will consider all opportunities."
The Seahawks need to make an adjustment to the wide receiver rotation whether it is Kearse or someone else. The team has Doug Baldwin preparing to play out the final year of his contract. They also have draft steal Tyler Lockett. That will not be enough if the struggles of Jimmy Graham continue to plague the team. The Seahawks could re-sign Kearse at his demands or chase someone else. Kearse will cost the same amount as other free agents like Rishard Matthews, Marvin Jones or Travis Benjamin.
He's a terrific player," Carroll said, via the Seattle Times. "He really is. I don't know if other people appreciate him like we do. We love him in our system, and we'd love him to stay with us."
The issue for Seattle is the number of other high-priced contracts the team has to worry about. The Seahawks might have to turn to the NFL Draft in hopes of getting another steal like Lockett. Josh Doctson, Will Fuller or Braxton Miller will be options in the NFL Draft if the Seahawks are willing to work with youth. If Seattle is willing to spend money, bringing back Kearse is the smartest move considering his familiarity with the offense and chemistry with Russell Wilson. However, that might not be possible with the other players that need to come back as well.
