In a recent interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio, free agent wide receiver Eric Decker deemed the New England Patriots a “good fit”. Decker spoke of his relationship with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who initially drafted him during his Denver Broncos head coaching tenure and previous interest from the Patriots.
Free Agent WR @EricDecker87: I think the #Patriots would be a good fit and being drafted by Josh McDaniels in Denver. I talked with New England last year during the Free Agency process in June. That is always an option that I would definitely love to entertain. pic.twitter.com/t47ylZqqrB
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 20, 2018
New England Patriots Deemed a “Good Fit” for Eric Decker
Decker, who played the 2017 season as a member of the Tennessee Titans, seemed to take a grand step back in productivity upon entering the Music City. Returning from an injury-marred 2016 season, Decker struggled to find a fit in the Titans’ offense. Playing in all 16 regular season games, Decker accumulated 563 receiving yards, his lowest total since his rookie campaign (not counting 2016 in which he played only three games). This total came off of 54 catches, which ranked his lowest mark since his second NFL season in 2011.
Such numbers show a great regression from Decker’s most famous days as a member of Peyton Manning’s record-setting Broncos, and the Patriots’ rival New York Jets. In each stint, Decker amassed 3,070 yards and 2,183 yards, respectively. The Titans’ passing attack faced routine struggles throughout 2017. Often drawing the top coverage option from opposing defenses, Decker struggled to gain both separation and targets in a lower-level Titans air attack.
The rumors of a Decker-Patriots marriage is not a new idea to the New England fan base. The two sides had a reported mutual interest last offseason. No formal contract came to be, and Decker signed a one-year deal with the Titans. However, with Julian Edelman’s pending suspension for PED usage, the loss of Brandin Cooks, and uncertainty throughout the depth chart, Decker could provide an intriguing replacement option for the Patriots and an aging Tom Brady.
The Patriots have also been linked to former Dallas Cowboys’ star receiver Dez Bryant, but the odds of Bryant joining the Patriots grow slimmer every day. Decker could provide an interesting piece to the Patriots’ receiving core if he signs a similar deal to 2017.
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