Fansided

Eric Decker rumors: Titans taking long look

By Jeff Hawkins

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit

Free agent wide receiver Eric Decker has family pull during trip to Tennessee Titans.

Free agent wide receiver Eric Decker’s visit to Tennessee Titans on Wednesday could turn into a family affair. Married to country singer Jessie James and backed by other Twitter-happy musicians like Kenneth Nixon, the former New York Jets wide receiver visited the Titans and spoke with team brass to regional fanfare.

A deal with the Titans was not immediately announced Wednesday but coach Mike Mularkey said he spent 25 minutes with Decker. He also underwent a team physical.

There has been speculation that Decker is attracted to the idea of living in the region full-time. The couple already own a home in the area.

The visit was Decker’s first recruiting stop since being released by the Jets on Tuesday. The Jets attempted, but failed, to find a trading partner.

The Titans have a need for a player like Decker, a seven-year veteran who is big (6’3, 206 pounds) and shifty (when healthy). He has compiled three 1,000 campaigns but was slowed by injuries during 2016. He had surgeries on both his hip and shoulder and appeared in just three games.

With a backfield stacked by DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, the Titans seek better balance with big-play receivers, who could further stretch the field.

New Titans wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson envisions Decker joining Rishard Matthews and rookie Corey Davis as top-three options to the club’s revamped receiving corps. Other options include Tajae Sharpe and Delanie Walker, along with two highly-regarded rookies, wide receiver Taywan Taylor and tight end Jonnu Smith.

Next: One burning question for each NFL team

Reinforcing his status as one of the NFL’s top young talents in 2016, third-year quarterback Marcus Mariota placed in the top 10 in quarterback rating (95.6). As it stands now, the Titans have intriguing receiving targets and a bruising running game. They could employ one of the league’s top offenses next season. If Decker is added, strike up the band.

Home/NFL Free Agency