The New York Jets entered free agency with wide receiver atop their list of needs.
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They are now walking away with the highest-rated wideout on Around The League's free-agent tracker.
The team announced Wednesday that they have agreed to terms with former Denver Broncos star Eric Decker. A source who has seen the paperwork tells NFL Media Insider the contract is for $36.25 million over five years with $15 million in guarantees.
Decked signed the contract Thursday, the team announced.
We're not wild about the fit, but it's a bargain for the Jets.
Decker's annual average falls in between Mike Williams' 7.9 million and Brian Hartline's $6.2 million. His numbers outshine those of Williams. Hartline isn't in the same ballpark.
After playing second fiddle to the more talentedDemaryius Thomas in Denver, Decker will take on No. 1 receiver responsibilities in Rex Ryan's "ground 'n' pound" offense.
Whereas Decker had other quality targets such as Thomas, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas to draw defenders away in Denver's record-breaking attack, he's going to be the center of attention in a passing game led by an inconsistent Geno Smith.
Still in his prime at age 27, Decker set career highs in receptions (87) and receiving yards (1,288) last season while reaching double digits in touchdowns for the second consecutive season.
Decker is legitimately one of the NFL's top No. 2 receivers. We just can't help wondering if his skill set is better-suited to a loaded offense such as the Colts -- as opposed to doing the heavy lifting in the Big Apple.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" recaps the wild start of free agency. *
