Eric Decker is one of the hottest wide receivers on the free agent market, and the Jets are the first team he met with. Does that mean he is likely to sign with New York? That could be the case.
The Jets have a desperate need at wide receiver. Their current options are Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson and Stephen Hill, so that group could use a big upgrade regardless of who wins the starting quarterback job.
Decker had 85 catches in 2012 and 87 the season before, and he’s scored 24 touchdowns the past two seasons. Though the numbers are likely inflated thanks to playing with Peyton Manning, Decker was still a valuable weapon and caught 8 touchdowns in 2011 with Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow throwing to him. Simply put, he’s a difference-maker on the field and has proven he can score regardless of who his quarterback is.
Golden Tate, who was the other top free agent wide receiver, agreed to a five-year, $31 million contract with the Detroit Lions that calls for $13.25 million guaranteed. Even though some view Decker as a number two receiver rather than a number one, he will still likely command more money than Tate received.
Don’t be surprised if the Jets are the team that ends up paying him. They have plenty of cap space and a huge need for an offensive play-maker. Plus, Decker already stated that he’s going to do in free agency what’s best for his family, which usually means taking the biggest contract available.
