The New York Jets are dumping their veterans, which means WR Eric Decker is available. Decker will be released, after the Jets tried and failed to trade him. It's not a huge surprise Decker wasn't traded, given his age, contract, injury past and that everyone knew he'd get cut if not traded. Now that he's a free agent and Jeremy Maclin has signed, it shouldn't take too long for him to find a landing spot.
Nearly every team will have at least some level of interest in Decker, since he'd be at least the No. 3 for nearly every team in the NFL, but roster construction and cap space will help narrow down the field. That was the case for the recently released Maclin and there's going to be overlap in terms of who is interested. Decker could be a nice consolation prize for whomever misses out on Maclin. With that in mind, here are five teams that could sign Eric Decker, plus a quick note on a few teams that have been linked to him but seem unlikely.
Browns, 49ers and Bears - they were trade options only, because surely Decker wants to go to a winner in his final years. The Bears, in particular, added several players.
Denver Broncos - It's an intriguing idea, since Decker played in Denver previously. But the Broncos spent two picks on WRs, including Carlos Henderson. Even if Decker's really cheap, Denver might want to let Henderson get the snaps.
Minnesota Vikings - He's from Minnesota, so it would be a homecoming. But, Minnesota already added Michael Floyd this offseason and have holdovers Laquon Treadwell (a former first rounder), Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and a host of young guys. The need just isn't there right now.
5. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens already landed WR Jeremy Maclin, but they're still interested in getting Decker. Cap space will make things tricky, but Decker gives the Ravens another non-deep threat option. A foursome of Maclin, Decker, Breshad Perriman and Mike Wallace takes care of the Ravens' WR issue. Getting Maclin drops them down the list, but they'll still have a shot.
4. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are seemingly always connected to the big-name WRs on the open market. The did draft Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel this offseason, both of whom will see time in the slot. But the other options are Kelvin Benjamin (who has weight issues again), Devin Funchess (who can't make a steady impact), Russell Sheppard (special teams ability got him signed) and Charles Johnson (meh). So if the Panthers can land Decker, they should explore the option. Free agency is the route here, along with the rest of the teams.
3. Tennessee Titans
The Titans already added Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor in the NFL Draft and getting Decker would be one hell of a overhaul. Decker could help mentor the young WRs on the roster in Davis, Taylor and Tajae Sharpe. He'd be at least the No. 2 WR and would provide Marcus Mariota with a needed reliable option. The fit makes sense, if the Titans have interest.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs just cut Jeremy Maclin and they need WR help. Tyreek Hill is dynamic, but the rest of the group of Chris Conley, Albert Wilson, Demarcus Robinson and Jehu Chesson strikes fear into no one. The Chiefs don't have a ton of cap space, but Decker would be the reliable player the Chiefs could really use to help out Alex Smith. Then again, apparently Kansas City apparently doesn't think it needs help at WR.
1. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have Sammy Watkins, Zay Jones and not a whole lot else outside of maybe Andre Holmes at WR. While the Bills will be a run-focused team this year, another option at WR would be ideal. Decker, Watkins and Jones would actually form one of the better WR corps in the AFC. Buffalo doesn't have a ton of cap space, but they have enough to add Decker. After missing out on Maclin, the Bills should pursue Decker.