The Seahawks receivers: Which ones will get cut?

On the bubble

Jermaine Kearse

Reason he stays: Kearse is beloved by other Seahawks, and that is important. Culture is important in Seattle and Kearse is a big part of that. Kearse has made some extremely important plays for the Seahawks in his career. Wilson trusts him and that is also important. But he had a bad year in 2016 and Seattle has other receivers who are better physically.

Reason he goes: First, even if Kearse stays, he has no business getting the third most targets for the Seahawks. Some of this, of course, is simply because Kearse seems to stay healthy and other receivers don’t. Still, as been pointed out elsewhere a thousand times, Kearse had a ton more targets than Tanner McEvoy last season but half as many touchdowns. Kearse had 90 targets and caught one touchdown pass. This is not acceptable.

Chances of making the team: 70 percent

Kasen Williams

Reason he stays: Williams can make catches when challenged, it appears. In fact, one may start to wonder if he can catch if he is not totally covered. The other team might gameplan by saying, “Let’s just leave Williams wide open.” Williams has had a fantastic camp and is earning the Seahawks’ trust. He will get another chance to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster on Friday night.

Reason he goes: Williams has no history that what he is doing in the preseason he can do in real games. He has been on the practice squad for two years, so who knows. Williams is finally healthy and gaining confidence, however, so anything is possible.

Chances of making the team: 60 percent through preseason week two, but he needs to keep earning his spot in the next two games.

J.D. McKissic

Reason he stays: Versatility. McKissic can return punts and kickoffs as a backup to Lockett, plus has speed to be dangerous as a receiver. He hasn’t done anything in the NFL yet, and still has a tough time making the roster. But with his skill to do many things, the Seahawks might be comfortable keeping him on the active roster.

Reason he goes: McKissic does good things, but only as a backup. Ideally a backup would be able to step in to a starting role of the starter got hurt and the Seahawks wouldn’t miss much. I am not sure McKissic is that good of a receiver. In fact, I am not even sure he is that good of a return specialist.

Chances of making the team: 51 percent

Amara Darboh

Reason he stays: He is a rookie. Darboh has size and can catch. He also looks fast. His potential is what intrigues the Seahawks the most, but I don’t think the team expects much from him in 2017.

Reason he goes: He simply has not done a whole lot this preseason. Darboh certainly hasn’t put his stamp on the Seahawks. Not yet anyway, but he is still learning.

Chances of making the team: 55 percent