Jeremy Kerley had his worst season as a pro in 2015, which is the main reason why he signed only a one-year deal worth around $1 million with his new team. But if the Detroit Lions actually throw him the ball, Kerley believes they will be happy with their investment.
Kerly says he was not part of the plan when the New York Jets brought in a new coaching staff.
“It was the opportunity I didn’t get to actually play. That was the main reason (for the diminished production),” he told Kyle Meinke MLive.com in a phone interview. “New coaching staff came in, they already knew the guys they wanted to play. They already had their scheme going, and they wanted bigger receivers.”
The end result was just 16 receptions, 152 yards and two touchdowns for Kerley in 16 games. With Calvin Johnson having retired, the 27-year-old expects plenty of targets in Detroit.
“They sling the ball everywhere, so you always need a hand full of receivers,” Kerley said. “Everyone’s going to get a chance to get balls in the scheme they have, and help the team put up points. So along with that, they have a West Coast schematic kind of plan, and I think that fits my skill-set.”
The Lions also have Golden Tate and the newly-signed Marvin Jones, so Kerley won’t be high up on the depth chart. Also, keep in mind some of the reports we heard about the state of the Lions last season. Things could go south in a hurry if Detroit has another rough season. Will Kerley get lost in the fold if that happens? Time will tell.
Photo: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
