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Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim's job doesn't stop. Now he has a new option on the market that could help his offense in 2017 with Eric Decker.
OTAs have been in full swing for a couple of weeks. General managers throughout the league get a much better look at what they'll have for the next season, giving them the option to move players — rookie or veterans — if they see fit. The New York Jets are continuing their roster purge post NFL Draft. David Harris was just released earlier this week and now Eric Decker, one of their best offensive weapons, is on the market.
The news broke yesterday about Decker becoming available but it looks like New York will attempt to get some type of compensation for eight-year man out of Minnesota. He played just three games with the Jets in 2016 after suffering from a partially torn rotator cuff in Week 3. In addition to shoulder surgery he also underwent surgery on his hip, spending the rest of the season on injured reserve.
The previous two years, however, Decker looked to be the same type of receiver he was in Denver. Playing alongside Brandon Marshall he caught 154 passes for just under 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Now 30 years old Decker will be playing for his third NFL team in 2017. If Keim has anything to say about it, he should be suiting up for the Arizona Cardinals.
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While the injuries sustained in 2016 could be a red flag it shouldn't be an issue as long as he can pass a physical. Decker has previous lingering injuries, but last season was the first in his career — college and professional — that he missed substantial time. And to be fair, he wouldn't have been able to save the season for the Jets anyway.
Arizona has a number of receiving options on their team. The problem is few have solidified themselves and consistent (and healthy) threats in the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald should continue to be solid but realistically after he and a healthy John Brown there's no confident options for an aging Carson Palmer.
The possibility of adding Decker adds a different type of dimension to Arizona's passing attack. Outside of Fitzgerald and rookie Chad Williams, Decker (6-3) would be an outlier in an otherwise short receiving core. And speaking of Williams, Decker would bring another veteran presence, giving the young man out of Grambling more time to get acclimated with the pro level.
The Cardinals don't have a lot of cap space but could afford Decker if they decide to make a deal. His current contract would account for $7.25 million against the cap leaving Arizona with just under $8 million left. If released, they may be able to bring him in at a bargain rate given last years injury as well as his age.
Decker could be a missing piece Arizona's offense needs for a Super Bowl run. They still have questions on defense but adding another big body would spark head coach Bruce Arians offense.
