Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse has already stated that he won't take a hometown discount to stay in Seattle, but there has been a "growing sentiment" that the organization "will try hard to keep him," according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
Kearse was the second leading receiver for the Seahawks last season with 49 receptions for 685 yards and five touchdowns. The Seahawks' offense seems to be reshaping itself with running back Marshawn Lynch retiring and young playmakers like running back Thomas Rawls and wide receiver Tyler Lockett stepping up.
Seahawks franchise quarterback Russell Wilson is coming off his best season since entering the league with career highs in yards (4,024), completion percentage (68.1) and touchdowns (34). Both Kearse and Wilson entered the league in 2012, and with each season Kearse's numbers have improved.
The wide receiver made $2.3 million in 2015 and could be looking for at least $3 million a year wherever he ends up in 2016, according to Condotta. The Seahawks' front office will have to decide what it's willing to spend on Kearse, as the team has multiple players hitting free agency this offseason.
Seattle finished the 2015 regular season with a 10-6 record, and general manager John Schneider will look to re-sign Kearse this offseason but likely won't overpay. Kearse is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 9 and will be considered one of the top free agents at his position on the market.
