What Is Eric Decker's Future With Team?

[gmf1369]

When healthy, Decker is a bonafide No. 2 receiver in the NFL. He has recorded three seasons with 80 or more catches and three other campaigns with 11 or more touchdown receptions. While no spring chicken anymore, Decker just turned 30 years old and many receivers in the league remain productive in their early to mid 30s. Gang Green is in full rebuilding mode, so a veteran like Decker might not be happy playing for a team that will be fortunate to win five or six games this year. His base salary for the upcoming season is $7.25 million, which is high for a player with so many injury concerns. He is also signed for 2018 at $7.5 million, so the Jets have made a strong financial commitment to Decker.

The bottom line: The Jets need to move on from Decker if they can. If they release him, New York would recoup $8.75 million in salary. Another option is to hope Decker shows that he is healthy during training camp and then general manager Mike Maccagnan can try and trade him for a mid-round draft pick in 2018.

Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa showed promise last season and can slot in as New York’s number one WR on a rebuilding squad. Maccagnan should draft a receiver or two in this month’s draft — the Jets need to retool with youth and upside.

Decker has been very productive during his three-year tenure in New York, but it’s time to move on for both sides. While there is no questioning his talent, there are too many health concerns for this marriage to work any longer.

 

[Mainejet]

I would really like to keep him if at all possible.

 

[LIJETFAN]

Have to disagree here. This WR corps is young and inexperienced. The QBs are even more so. This team needs a veteran WR in the room. There is no clear cut No 1 right now. I think Enunwa showed promise last year, but I wouldn't go so far as to call him a true No 1 receiver in the Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham, Dez Bryant category. Decker is a very good player - excellent route runner, very good hands, and a leader. He's a great guy in the locker room and off the field. I know he's injured and his cap number is a little high, but not outrageous for a player of his caliber.

 

[TebowCan'tThrow]

Have to disagree here. This WR corps is young and inexperienced. The QBs are even more so. This team needs a veteran WR in the room. There is no clear cut No 1 right now. I think Enunwa showed promise last year, but I wouldn't go so far as to call him a true No 1 receiver in the Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham, Dez Bryant category. Decker is a very good player - excellent route runner, very good hands, and a leader. He's a great guy in the locker room and off the field. I know he's injured and his cap number is a little high, but not outrageous for a player of his caliber.

There still won't be a #1 WR if Decker is in the locker room.

 

[butterscotch]

There still won't be a #1 WR if Decker is in the locker room.

I agree

 

[lounap23]

He is the veteran WR this group needs.. I don't see him going anywhere

 

[LIJETFAN]

To be clear, I was not suggesting Decker is a No. 1 receiver. As lounap23 said, he is the veteran WR that this young WR corps needs. If he's healthy, he's a very good player.

 

[lounap23]

I think if Morton follows The Sean Payton passing Offense.. it's a lot of 3WR-4WR sets with and athletic TE and the ball will be spread around.. No #1 truly needed if all WR's can do their jobs and Honestly with Decker, ENunwa and Anderson I think you have 3 guys that can create mismatches with the right offensive scheme add a TE like OJ Howard or David NJoku and the receiving corps will be fine and that's not even hoping Peake and Smith progress. But hopefully they do too.... All we need is a QB that can throw them the ball LOL!!

 

[SackExchange]

I still like Decker's contributions to the team. To me, he is a true #2.

Now, with Enunwa, I think he is either a #3 or a #1. But his skills complement Decker pretty well. And if Enunwa continues on his upward trajectory, he will be a serious #1.