Eric Decker is just a few weeks away from being one of the biggest free agents on the market. The more we hear him talk, the more he sounds like a guy who is about to be a former member of the Denver Broncos.
Speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday, Decker said he would "welcome" a call from the Broncos if they can get on the same page. But he needs to do what's best for his family.
Translation: The Broncos and Decker aren't particularly close on a deal.
Yes, saying that you need to do what's "best for your family" is a cliche that athletes fall back on before free agency. But these comments should be put in the context of what's been buzzing around Decker. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Super Bowl Sunday that the Broncos fear they will lose Decker because he wants more money than they are willing to pay. Internally, the team views Decker as a No. 2 wide receiver. Decker and his agent can't be thrilled with that news coming out.
It's clear the Broncos' offseason priorities lie elsewhere. Decker is not likely to get the franchise tag from Denver. Chris Wesseling said Tuesday that letting go of Decker would be a big mistake. I believe that he's a replaceable part.
Decker is probably going to get "No. 1 receiver" money from some other team, so we'll find out who's right soon enough.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" discusses controversial draft prospects Johnny Manziel and Jadeveon Clowney and reviews the offseason forecasts for the St. Louis Rams and Carolina Panthers.**
