New York Jets Smart to Sign Jeremy Kerley to Extension

By Greg Sulik @GregSulik on October 22, 2014

One of the interesting subplots from the New York Jets‘ shocking acquisition of Percy Harvin was what the deal meant for Jeremy Kerley, the fourth-year slot receiver who was in the final season of his rookie contract. The Jets gave a resounding answer that Kerley is part of their long-term plans yesterday, signing him to a 4-year, $16 million contract.

This contract is good value for what Kerley brings to the table. He is a solid slot receiver who led the team in receptions and receiving yards each of the last two seasons, and he has a knack for stepping up in clutch situations. Kerley’s overall numbers are not particularly impressive (150 catches for 1,865 yards and 7 TDs in 49 career games), but it is fair to note that he has never played with a quality quarterback. It is easy to image Kerley turning in much better statistics with a decent quarterback under center.

Kerley also has some solid punt return ability, a role he could end up returning to if Walter Powell continues to have fumbling issues. All in all, $4 million a year for everything he offers is good value. Making things even better for the Jets is that the contract has just $5.4 million in guaranteed money, making it a very low-risk deal.

By locking down Kerley, the Jets are committing to a solid receiving corps of Eric Decker, Harvin, and Kerley, as well as tight ends Jace Amaro and Jeff Cumberland. No one is going to confuse these guys with the Denver Broncos, but it is an improved group of pass catchers that could certainly be part of a playoff team if you teamed them with better quarterback play. In the likely event the Jets are looking for a new coaching staff and quarterback this offseason, New York is going to be a fairly attractive destination.

John Idzik believes in building through the draft and retaining the talent you’ve developed, and that’s what the Jets have done here. Kerley is one of the few impact players the Jets landed on offense during the final years of the Mike Tannebaum era, and he has easily outperformed his status as a fifth round pick.

Re-signing him was a smart move from the Jets, and Kerley has certainly earned his keep.

Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GregSulik or add him to your network on Google.