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Jets would be wise to cut Eric Decker in 2017

By Michael Pallas

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s that time of the year for the New York Jets. It’s time to trim the roster and make room to sign free agents to bolster the team.

New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker tore his rotator cuff early in 2016.  He would end up on injured reserve and miss the season. According to NFL.com’s Max Meyer, general manager Mike Maccagnan said,

“I anticipate him being ready to start the season.”

ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote this:

"The Jets aren’t done cutting players, per sources. , , Eric Decker, and are in danger of losing their roster spots. Marcus Gilchrist Calvin Pryor Buster Skrine Sheldon Richardson"

While general manager Mike Maccagnan feels confident in Decker’s ability to start the season, torn rotator cuff surgery is a three to possibly six-month recovery process, and that’s just to get back on the field.  According to WebMD, there are several risks that come with surgery:

  • Infection of the incision or of the shoulder joint.
  • Pain or stiffness that won’t go away.
  • Damage to the deltoid tendon or muscle (if the deltoid is detached, additional surgery may be needed to repair it).
  • The need for repeated surgery because tendons do not heal properly or tear again.

The second one is key because having a range of motion is key to success for a wide receiver.  The Jets have a lot of young receivers, and they need playing time. In fact, they need playing time with quarterback Bryce Petty.  The Jets may not have the luxury to effect chemistry by keeping Decker and limiting other wide receivers’ playing time.

According to Spotrac, the Jets’ current cap space is $36,717,871.  According to Spotrac, cutting Decker would give them a new cap number of $124,903,616, which would give them $42,467,871 in cap space.

Next: Patience will be needed from here on out for Jets

Decker is still young, but the future could be at stake.  The Jets would be taking a risk by keeping him on the roster. That’s why it’s best to cut him this offseason and focus on the younger wide receivers with more upside.

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