Crazy as it sounds, somebody just became available that might be even more desirable a target than Jeremy Maclin. Is a Chicago Bears Eric Decker deal possible? The New York Jets made the surprising decision just hours ago to cut or trade the veteran receiver by June 7th. Their reasoning is logical enough. He’s coming off a season where he played just three games and will bring a cap relief of $5.75 million.
And now the Jets are parting ways with WR Eric Decker, sources tell ESPN. Have told WR they either will release or trade him this week.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 6, 2017
At the same time it doesn’t make much football sense. New York is already riddled with question marks on offense. They have no definitive starting quarterback. Their offensive line lost three veteran starters. Brandon Marshall left via free agency to join the Giants. Now Decker is gone as well. They have no quarterback. They have no protection. It seems they don’t have any weapons now either.
Oh well. The Jets are gonna Jet. Their loss though could end up being the Bears’ gain. This presuming GM Ryan Pace isn’t completely sold on the depth chart he’s assembled.
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A Bears Eric Decker move could yield productive results
Money shouldn’t be an issue in this idea. Chicago has over $26 million in salary cap space. Plenty to make any move they wish. It’s a matter of two keys. Do they want Decker and would he be interested in the Bears? As to the first part, there’s plenty of reasons to think he’d be a welcome addition. Never mind his obvious experience.
When health Decker may be one of the more underrated receivers in the NFL. From 2012 to 2015, he produced three 1,000-yard seasons. He also scored at least 11 touchdowns in each of those years. His 6’3″ size, strong hands and crisp route running made for an effective combination that led to a lot of big plays.
Then there is the fact that he has a connection to the Bears. Decker played his first four NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos. John Fox was the head coach during three of those from 2011 to 2013. Decker had arguably the two best years of his career under Fox’s watch. So the Bears potentially get a productive veteran who still has gas in the tank. Decker gets to rejoin a coach who knew how to get the best from him.
For those arguing Chicago already sign a bunch of guys with similar concerns like Markus Wheaton and Victor Cruz, let it be known. Their backgrounds are far cloudier than Decker’s. If he could get 1,000 yards with Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing him the ball, is Mike Glennon so different? It’s another risk worth taking at the right price.
