5 Under-the-Radar Free Agents 49ers Should Target in 2016
By Jerod Brown
Jermaine Kearse-Wide Receiver
Jermaine Kearse has played for the Seattle Seahawks since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2012. While many 49ers fans won’t like the idea of adding a Seahawk to the roster, Kearse could be an intriguing option to add depth to the receiver group.
Kearse won’t ever be the number one receiver for a team, but if the 49ers choose to use their first pick in the draft on a playmaker, they can target lesser receivers to round out a quality group. Kearse is built similarly to the 49ers current receiver Anquan Boldin, both players are listed at 6’1” with Boldin being slightly heavier.
In addition to their frames, the two men are alike in their skills as receivers. Neither player is going to explode of the line as a downfield burner, but they run precise routes and excel in making catches in tough positions. While Kearse hasn’t enjoyed the long-term success that Boldin has, he has competed on the Seahawks throughout their recent success and brings championship experience to a wide receiver group that could be lacking without Boldin’s leadership.
Pairing Kearse with Torrey Smith as the leaders of the group could solidify the position for younger players like recently-drafted 49er DeAndre Smelter. Kearse would come to the team likely as the third or fourth receiving option and won’t command big money.
Kearse was earning an average yearly salary of roughly $2.3 million before his upcoming free agency. Baalke could sign Kearse for slightly more than that amount and solidify his receiving core for 2016.
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