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| Kerley will be a Jet for years to come. Photo Credit: USA Today Sports |
The Jets have been loosening the purse strings just a little bit in recent days. They acquired Percy Harvin from the Seahawks and today comes an announcement that they have signed WR Jeremy Kerley to a contract extension.
By: Michael Hanley
According to NFL Insider lan Rapoport, Kerley's new contract extension is $16.4 million dollars over the four years with just $5.4 million of that guaranteed. That is a very friendly contract from the Jets perspective. This deal will only minimally effect their surplus of cash as they are still under the cap by a significant margin.
It is not one of those deal like Harvin got in Seattle which effects salary cap a great deal and the ability to make other moves and deals. Kerley's deal still gives New York and GM John Izdik room to operate and upgrade other positions on this roster.
Kerley is having a solid season for the Jets so far in what has been a lost season for the franchise. He so far has racked up 22 receptions for 201 yards and one touchdown. This is in addition to his career total that has featured him averaging at least 40 catches in each of his first three seasons in the NFL.
The 5 foot 9 wide receiver has been one of the few playmakers on the Jets offense this season for quarterback Geno Smith to rely on game in and game out. Kerley has great ball skills, make a variety of catches and can play through contact and still be able to make the crucial catches this offense needs on a regular basis.
This new contract now gives this duo of Kerley and Smith a chance to further develop their chemistry with each other and grow as players through these next couple of years.
This latest move shows how Jets GM John Izdik is willing to open up the wallet and spend to improve the team especially on the offensive side of the ball. Kerley's deal is in addition to the Harvin acquisition but also to Eric Decker, who came over to New York from Denver in the off season and spent $36.25 million on him alone.
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