On Monday, wide receiver Eric Decker signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. This came just a week after the New York Jets decided to part ways with the seven-year veteran. So what does he bring to what looks like a loaded receiving corps in 2017?
Titans and former NY Jets WR Eric Decker reached agreement on a one-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 18, 2017
What Does Eric Decker Add to the Tennessee Titans?
Competition.
If it wasn’t clear already, it is now; It’s Marcus Mariota‘s year to have a breakout season. Adding another weapon for their pivot is proof that the Titans wanted to set Mariota up for a big year in 2017.
Eric Decker will join a young group of receivers that will benefit from more competition and a veteran presence – which the 30-year old wideout brings a lot of.
Before two major injuries derailed Decker’s 2016 season, he was one of the most consistent players at his positions. Racking up over one thousand yards in three of his last four seasons, he had over 115 targets each year with both the Broncos and Jets.
However, this may change for Decker in Tennesse.
Mariota is already very comfortable with Delanie Walker and Rishard Matthews, and with the addition of fifth overall pick Corey Davis, Decker’s targets may take a hit. But that doesn’t mean it will hurt his production. With it being a one-year ‘prove it’ deal this could be Decker’s only chance to showcase to other teams he’s worth a multi-year contract. Meaning we may see a big year out of Decker who still has something to prove.
So how much does the competition he brings to the Titans help them?
Well, in a division with improving secondaries – all of them – adding a reliable option will help the Titans’ chances of winning the AFC South substantially.
Look at it this way, Decker comes in and is already near the top of the depth chart with Davis and Matthews, meaning there will be a logjam for the next spot. Which will be a mix of precise route-runner Tajae Sharpe and rookie speedster Taywan Taylor, both who bring something different to the offense that will help in certain parts of the field and depending on the down. Decker improves this group in a lot of ways, but perhaps most notably, the price tag.
Alshon Jeffery went to the Eagles for one-year, $9.5 million, 49ers signed Pierre Garcon at $9.5 per over five years, and DeSean Jackson went for $11.1 million for the next three years. With it being such a late signing and knowing the way Jon Robinson works, it looks like, if healthy, the Titans just go another steal.
The most attractive aspect of Decker’s game for the Titans is his red zone efficiency. In 2015 Decker had ten touchdowns on 28 targets inside the 20, match that with Mariota’s red zone work and the Titans closest field goal may be from 31 yards in 2017.
The signing likely means the end of Harry Douglas‘s time in Tennessee and practice squad for Tre McBride. But with the Jaguars, Colts, and Texans’ defense improving via free agency and the draft this offseason, the Titans just made a strong case that they are the favorite of the AFC South with this addition.
