Thoughts on the Jeremy Kerley Extension

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver

(11) takes the field before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

For anyone who missed it yesterday, the Jets protected one of their own, giving Jeremy Kerley a four year contract extension worth $16 million, $5.4 guaranteed. There are a few reasons why this is an excellent move. Turn the page and we will talk about it.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

First of all, it really begins to show an insight to John Idzik’s plan. Yes, we know that it is the plan to “build through the draft”. But the question until recently has been about the surplus of money. How was John Idzik going to spend the cash?

Well, we had the Percy Harvin trade, which took a chunk of that money. Now, we see that the other part of the plan is protecting their own. John Idzik recognizes the importance of core young players, and Kerley is one of them. Jeremy Kerley has been an excellent Jet, a constant force in light of many changes around him. Good job by Idzik bringing him back.

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) warms-up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

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Jeremy Kerley has been a solid player since he entered the league. Over his first 3 seasons, Kerley averaged nearly 43 receptions per season, which is impressive considering the inconsistent quarterback play. His best year was 2012, when Kerley posted 56 receptions for 827 yards, leading the team in receiving. As we know, that was the season where it all bottomed out for Mark Sanchez. The Jets couldn’t even manage 18 points per game, so nearly 900 yards receiving is impressive.

Kerley actually made Mark Sanchez better, which I can even say was a difficult concept. Jeremy Kerley deserves to be extended, as he has been a terrific member of the New York Jets.

Oct 12, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver

(11) after the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Kerley’s contract is also a fair price, considering the market. Julian Edelman recently received a contract worth $4.25 million per year. Kerley received one worth $4 million per year. It’s fair to say that Edelman and Kerley are similar types of players, slot receivers that can also return punts. Kerley does not have the resume of Edelman to this point, so pricing him slightly below makes sense. So the contract makes sense from a Jets’ standpoint as well.

So, Jeremy Kerley earned an extension, it was priced correctly, and gives us insight into how John Idzik is planning the rebuild.

All in all, a win-win situation for the Jets and for Jeremy Kerley.