Eric Decker will be coming off two major surgeries before the 2017 season starts. This is why the New York Jets should think hard.
With the New York Jets in dire need to create cap room to fill other positions of need, the thought of Eric Decker’s release is an intriguing one. Consequently, there are plenty of spots to be filled. Thus, Eric’s release will free up $5.75 million in cap space.Last year, when the seventh-year pro became injured, he was replaced by rookie Robby Anderson. Anderson did not let down and confirmed he is, unquestionably, capable of playing in the NFL. The undrafted rookie conversely wound up being one of the pinnacle Jets receivers in just limited action.
Young Robby racked up 42 receptions for 587 yards with two touchdowns.
Additionally, the Jets have other youthful receivers anticipating their shot such as Charone Peake and Jalin Marshall. The two rookies just saw a bit of playing time in 2016.
Peake and Marshall, combined, racked up a total of 33 receptions for 348 yards with two touchdowns.
Via releasing Decker, the Jets accordingly can now observe what they have in the two young receivers. Even if just one of the two shows they can play at the NFL level, it’d be a win for the franchise. The Jets are looking genuinely positive at the wide receiver position for years to come.
At 29-years of age and an average of $7.25M remaining on a contract that’s healthy until 2019, it makes very little sense to keep Decker around. Waiting for him to magically turn healthy and hoping he can stay healthy is a shot in the dark.
It’s better that the Jets move on by releasing him while going with the youth movement that seems to have steam behind it. Decker’s chances of playing (without any further injuries) in future NFL games are unknown.
