Seahawks could target six potential free agent wide receivers

DeMaryius Thomas  – 6’3 – 229 – Age 30 – Denver

DeMaryius Thomas was at one point going to be the next Calvin Johnson. He had all that size and the speed to go with it. He’s had flashes of brilliance in his career, but just as many mental mistakes in recent years. Given that, he’s another player with some star power.

What’s to like

Thomas is the first player on this list with size and speed. He can be a possession guy as well as a guy who can take the top off. He has strong hands, a big body and fluid movement when running routes. Thomas is one of the better receivers in the NFL when he is focused.

What’s not to like

Did I mention that focus thing? Unfortunately, he tends to drop a lot of balls. It almost feels as though the day Manning left Denver, no one on that offense has been the same. Is that the result of deteriorating skills by everyone, or terrible quarterback play? The last and most likely reason why I don’t believe Thomas would be a target is this; if he gets released I still expect him to get a fairly lucrative new contract with someone else.

(Thomas has not been released.)

Jermaine Kearse – 6’1 – 200 – Age 28 – NY Jets

The Lakes High School and former University of Washington product could come home…again. Jermaine Kearse might have been underappreciated during his first stint with the Seahawks. I am not sure he will be released given his production, however. Still, would a homecoming be in order?

What’s to like

This guy was a great teammate and a great guy in Seattle. Fans underappreciated him here in Seattle at the time. Perhaps it was that “grass is always greener” thing. He had 65 catches and 5 TD’s with the Jets last year, the best of his career. Seattle fans already know his penchant for making the big play as well.

What’s not to like

Don’t we feel like we already know what we are getting in Kearse? Good guy, good blocker, a few mental lapses on the easy throws. Probably around 40 catches. I might be wrong, but if fans weren’t happy with him the first time, I would venture to say many won’t be the second time. Plus he might get a bigger payday coming off the best season in his career. That might price him out of Seattle.

(Kearse has not been released.)

Other notable players who have or could be cut

Markus Wheaton 5’11 185 26 Chicago Bears

Emmanuel Sanders 5’11 185 30 Denver Broncos

Travis Benjamin 5’10 180 28 Los Angeles Chargers

Brandon Marshall 6’5  232 33 NY Giants

Tavon Austin 5’8 180 27 Los Angeles Rams

Randall Cobb 5’10 192 27 Green Bay Packers

Brandon LaFell 6’2 210 31 Bengals

As with the running back group, it is just as likely Seattle drafts a receiver this year or hopes that Amara Darboh, David Moore or Tanner McEvoy can take a big step forward. If not this is a veritable smorgasboard.  Have at it Seahawks fans!