Seahawks WR Jermaine Kearse discusses what kept him in Seattle despite offseason uncertainty
May 19, 2016, 3:08 PM
There was a time this offseason where it looked as if Jermaine Kearse’s tenure with the Seahawks was finished. But the 26-year-old wide receiver told “Bob, Groz and Tom” Wednesday that he’s glad the two sides were able to come to terms.
“I wouldn’t call (the contract negotiation) easy but I’m glad that we were able to come to terms and be able to get it done,” he said. “I’m happy to be back in Seattle and looking forward to playing this upcoming season and try to make another run toward bringing the Lombardi back.”
Related: Michael Bennett invokes Fifth Amendment on contract concerns
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in March that it was highly unlikely Kearse, who signed with Seattle as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Washington in 2012, would be back with the Seahawks. Schefter even reported that Kearse was looking for a new home. Shortly after the report, though, the Lakewood native signed a three-year, $13.5 million deal to return to his hometown team.
“At the time I definitely had all of my options open,” Kearse said, “whether that was being in Seattle or going to play somewhere else. But ultimately I think the right thing was done and I was able to come back and I feel really good about my choice coming back and playing for this team and this organization.”
Kearse established career highs in receptions, yards and touchdowns last season and hold the franchise record for postseason touchdown catches. The former UW Husky said it would be “nice” to stick with the franchise for his entire career, but wasn’t thinking that far ahead.
“That would definitely be nice,” he said. “You just kind of take it one year at a time, one day at a time, one game at time. That’s kind of my focus.”
