We're well into the free agent signings and the Jets landed the best available receiver. This is a nice start, but they have a long way to go if they want to be a viable offense. Eric Decker is a very nice player, but he is a high level number two wide receiver not a one. He could be a great acquisition if the Jets land another big time receiver in the draft, but if they go another direction then he may have some serious trouble getting open.
This move is somewhat reminiscent of a few years ago when the Minnesota Vikings decided to go with Nate Burleson as their top receiver. Burleson is an excellent player and can put up big numbers opposite someone like Randy Moss or Calvin Johnson. On his own he ended up being a major flop. This is what I see in the future for Eric Decker if he doesn't have a true number one receiver or tight end on the team. Especially if Geno Smith will be the starting quarterback this year. Of course I have suspected that it will be Michael Vick and that is still my opinion. If that is the case, of course I give Decker a slight uptick in value.
I think that Jets fans should be very excited about this move so long as they know that there is a lot of work yet to be done. The offense needs a complete overhaul and now they have one legitimate weapon in the passing game. If they can land someone like Marquise Lee or Mike Evans in the draft to take away some defensive pressure then Decker could flourish but it is no guarantee. The AFC East has some stout pass defenses. Miami is excellent against the passing game and New England just added former Jet Darelle Revis. This means that for two games this year Decker is likely to find himself stranded on Revis island.
My prediction for Eric Decker is about 70 catches 850 yards and 5 touchdowns. This is assuming that some help is brought in, but with all of the cap space that will be available I am assuming that reinforcements are on the way. Decker is going to be solid, but don't overvalue him. With regard to fantasy football, don't assume that Decker will be putting up WR1 stats just because he will be the Jets first option. Odds are his price tag at next year's draft is going to be too high for the value that he will provide.
