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A few weeks ago, reports emerged that free agent wide receiver Jermaine Kearse visited the Detroit Lions and the two tried to work out a deal. Unfortunately, an agreement couldn’t be made and it appeared the two were headed in separate directions.
However, on Thursday morning ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the two sides have apparently come back together and Kearse will be signing in Detroit:
Former Jets’ WR Jermaine Kearse is signing with the Detroit Lions, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 6, 2019
In Detroit, he’ll reuninte with his former offensive coordaintor Darrell Bevell. Kearse was with the Seahawks for five years, all under Bevell. During that span, Kearse hauled in 153 catches for 2109 yards and 11 touchdowns over 69 games.
The Lions currently need some depth at the wide receiver position, both in practices and once they’re fully healthy. Currently Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay—the Lions’ top two receivers—have been sidelined from team drills due to injury. But even with those two healthy, it’s not clear who would serve as their backups. Andy Jones, Chris Lacy and Tommylee Lewis are all candidates, but haven’t made much of an impression yet during OTAs. (Lewis appears to have suffered an injury, as well.)
Per Schefter, Kearse is signing a one-year deal with Detroit.
UPDATE: The Lions have made the signing official. We could see him on the practice field Thursday for the final day of mandatory minicamp. To make room for Kearse, the Lions released wide receiver Jordan Smallwood.
UPDATE 2: Contract terms:
Lions are giving former Jets’ WR Jermaine Kearse a one-year $1.35 million deal with a max value of $2.3 million, including $350k guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 6, 2019