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Jeremy Kerley is on the move again.
After struggling to find his spot on the depth charge in Detroit, the one-time Jet is heading west in a trade that sends offensive lineman Brandon Thomas to the Lions. Kerley, who has 182 career catches, all with New York, for 2,225 yards and five scores, should have more opportunities as a pass catcher with a San Francisco team that has struggled to identify reliable targets for either of their quarterbacks in the last few seasons.
The #Lions are trading WR Jeremy Kerley for #49ers OL Brandon Thomas, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 28, 2016
Kerley will likely compete with Quinton Patton and Jerome Simpson for snaps in the slot, the two of which combined for two scores and 35 receptions in 2015. He will also see time as a return specialist, where he can compete with Bruce Ellington as a kick and punt returner - Kerley averaged more than a full yard more than Ellington as a punt returner last season.
Hopefully, the move to California will reinvigorate Kerley’s career, which has shown flashes of brilliance but some inconsistencies in the pro game. He certainly still has the speed and talent to carve out a regular role in an NFL offense.