The New York Jets are planning to part ways with Cold Spring native and former standout at the University of Minnesota Eric Decker. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets will either release or trade him this week.
Decker was set to make $7.25 million in 2017 and was due for a hefty raise next season, too.
With the Vikings signing St. Paul native Michael Floyd last month, should the team go after another Minnesota native?
Decker battled injuries last season and played in just three games for the Jets. But prior to last season, Decker averaged 80 receptions from 2012-2015, topping 1,000 yards three times.
Although Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen had solid seasons last year, Minnesota’s offense ranked No. 28 in the NFL in 2016 and Decker could help the offense stretch the field.
Just imagine a wide receiving core of Diggs, Thielen, Decker, and Floyd – and if second-year wideout Laquon Treadwell bounces back, Minnesota could have one of the best passing attacks in the NFL.
The team did draft two wide receivers in this year’s NFL Draft but it’s unclear if either will contribute right away on offense. Fifth-round pick Rodney Adams is likely to return kicks and it’s probably an up-hill battle for seventh-round pick Stacy Coley to make the 53-man roster.
So if the cap space allows it, Decker could definitely have a role on the offense.
