Report: Patriots Work Out Free-Agent WR Eric Decker
The Patriots may look to free agency to add depth to the receiver corps.
December 17, 2017; Santa Clara, CA: Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. (Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Kyle Terada-USA TODAYThe Patriots may be looking to add more depth to their wide receiver corps during training camp. They brought in free-agent wideout Eric Decker for a workout on Monday, according to ESPN's Field Yates on Twitter.
Decker played all 16 games for the Tennessee Titans in 2017, but started only eight of them. He hauled in 54 catches for 563 yards and a touchdown. The 31-year-old has averaged 63 catches, 838 yards, and eight touchdowns per 16 games over his eight-year career.
The former Broncos and Jets receiver recently said he felt New England would be a good fit, mainly because Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels originally drafted him in 2010 when he was head coach in Denver. Decker also said he visited with the Patriots as a free agent in 2017.
Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY SportsJan 13, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) breaks a tackle from New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Clearly, there's some mutual interest for Decker to possibly join the Patriots. The question is how much he has left in the tank after eight NFL seasons and a history of getting banged up.
However, the Pats are relatively thin at wide receiver, with no roster locks beyond Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan. If Decker is still a viable NFL receiver at all, he would have a chance to push for a roster spot at the bottom of the depth chart. It may help his case that Malcolm Mitchell, Kenny Britt, and Jordan Matthews are all dealing with injuries of their own.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
