Jets decision to cut Decker could prove costly

When all is said and done, the decision of the New York Jets to part ways with wide receiver Eric Decker was a bad one.

The New York Jets have made a very crucial and potentially harmful move in parting ways with veteran wide receiver and undeniably great leader, Eric Decker. In an article written for Around the NFL by Marc Sessler, it was confirmed the Jets are indeed parting ways with him either by releasing him or finding a team willing to make a trade to acquire his services.

Decker, 30, is definitely going to be one of the players no longer in the locker room that plays a huge part in building positive work ethics on and off the field who can lead by example. With a rebuild mode in full effect, it would have certainly helped to keep him around.

The younger guys on the team and newcomers would really benefit from the way he is a class act, and certainly a very good look for the organization. Not to mention, Decker’s playing abilities were as impressive as the way he went about his life in New York playing for a team that he was a huge part of in more ways than one.

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Will players such Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa be enough to hold down while the number one receiver is no longer a part of the team?

With Anderson recently in trouble, it appears that things may be taking a slightly less professional turn and the talent may be there but are these young guys going to also shine at being professional and making a good name while not playing?

It is very important that the Jets locker room and the younger guys have a leader that was, of course, Decker, because a positive presence and role model is essential, and part of a winning culture. Talent is certainly not enough, especially for a team with so many off the field distractions that were evident last season. The Jets had an experienced and solid player in Decker, and they could have kept him around for at least another year to groom such young players for brighter futures.

Parting ways with Decker may indeed be a decision that could be easily regretted. The leadership and still great talent are two things that they lost in an attempt to bring about change. Decker, who was rehabbing from two surgeries this offseason, could have at least be used in a situational role as he developed those around him. Either way, this decision will prove costly for the Jets who easily have one of the most unproven wide receiver corps in the NFL with no real veteran experience to lead the way.