Eric Decker is expected to be ready to start the 2017 campaign, but will he continue to don a Jets uniform in the season opener?
Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan said Friday that the wideout should be able to participate in non-contact organized team activities after suffering a torn rotator cuff last season. Decker had surgery after the Jets placed him on injured reserve in October.
"I anticipate him being ready to start the season," Maccagnan said regarding the 29-year-old pass catcher.
The veteran turns the big 3-0 on March 15, and has two years remaining on a five-year, $36.25 million deal he signed with Gang Green in 2014.
There have been reports of Decker being another casualty in the Jets' offseason roster exodus. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport suggested otherwise, however, even though the move would save New York another $5.75 million in cap room, per Spotrac.
"Do not necessarily assume that we've seen the last of Eric Decker in a Jets uniform," Rapoport said on Friday's NFL Total Access. "If he is healthy and is doing well, would not be surprised to see him back in 2017 paired with some of the younger exciting receivers."
With Brandon Marshall already out of the picture, a possible Decker departure would leave the Jets with promising young wideouts leading the way such as Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson. Simply put, it would be a chance for a green receiving corps to grow tremendously in the upcoming season.
