The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with wide receiver Eric Decker on a one-year deal.
Patriots expected to sign former Titans’, Jets’ and Broncos’ WR Eric Decker to a one-year deal, per sources.
And it’s neither here nor there, but is there now a better looking QB-WR combo in the NFL than Tom Brady and Decker?
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 2, 2018
This news comes after the Pats announced their release of wideout Jordan Matthews after he suffered an injury. The perennial Super Bowl contender was short in depth at the wide receiver position and wanted to add a reliable receiver to compliment 3-time NFL MVP, Tom Brady. He will also join Bill Belichick, perhaps one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of football.
Bill Belichick gets left hanging by Eric Decker and tries to play it off cool. Maybe he's human after all. pic.twitter.com/spHpaN4IDm
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) January 14, 2018
This deal is a win-win for both parties. The Patriots will receive a solid wide receiver that has shown he can make an impact on any franchise he is a part of, and Decker will get the opportunity to go after the first championship of his career.
Decker stated:
“At this point in my career, I want to go somewhere where I can compete for a Super Bowl and be in a good system and be with a quarterback that my skill set would be an addition to the team.”
Decker was brought in for a workout on Wednesday before striking a deal with the Pats today.
As a member of the Tennessee Titans last season, Decker caught 54 passes for 563 yards to go along with a single touchdown. However, he has been much more efficient in the past.
Decker played three seasons with one of the New England’s biggest rivals, the New York Jets. However, he excelled most on the field during the early years of his career when he played for the Broncos.
Decker spent four years in Denver, twice totaling over 1,000 receiving yards in 2012 and 2013. He also led the entire AFC in receiving touchdowns in 2012 as a Bronco with 13.
There is no doubt that Decker will add value to the Pats. The team was searching for a veteran presence who knew how to win, and Eric Decker definitely fits that bill.
He was a big part of the Broncos run in the playoffs in 2013 when he was crowned an AFC champion. Decker also has eight years of NFL experience under his belt, making him the ideal candidate for a roster spot.
Decker has never played for a quarterback of Tom Brady’s caliber, so it will be interesting to see what this duo is capable of.
Featured Image via Flickr/Keith Allison
