Fansided

5 potential landing spots for Eric Decker

By Brad Berreman

May 23, 2017; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) runs with the ball during organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) runs with the ball during organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a pass in front of Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey (21) during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a pass in front of Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey (21) during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Jets will be moving on from wide receiver Eric Decker, so here are five potential landing spots for him.

The New York Jets seem firmly committed to having the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, with an offseason offloading of veterans that added linebacker David Harris on Tuesday. Wide receiver Eric Decker seemed likely to be next, and head coach Todd Bowles expressed uncertainty on anything related to a pay cut or a roster spot being in jeopardy.

But it’s come to a head now, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting the Jets have told Decker they will trade or release him this week. He’s coming off playing just three games last season due to a torn rotator cuff, and he also underwent hip surgery in October to further delay his activity level heading into a new season.

That said, Decker had over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns in three of four seasons from 2012-2015 and at least 74 catches in all four campaigns over that span. As long as he is on track to be ready for Week 1, finding a new team should not be an issue however it happens or Decker.

With a couple notable veteran wide receivers becoming available in the first week of June, these five teams should be in the mix for Decker.

5. Cleveland Browns

The Browns reportedly have interest in Jeremy Maclin, but they will be in line behind the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens to even get a visit scheduled. Good fallback options are obviously rare at this point, but Decker provides that kind of opportunity now.

Decker has two years and $14.75 million left on is contract. The Browns can easily take that on, much the same way they did when they surprisingly traded for Brock Osweiler, but if he’s healthy Decker would absolutely be a starter.

Decker would surely not choose to go to Cleveland if he’s released. But if the Jets seriously seek a trade, the Browns are an obvious option.

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