Eric Decker is one of the top free agents on the market this offseason and a number of teams like the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers could be options for the WR if he opts to leave the Denver Broncos.
Decker is a player the Broncos love, but they understand that if he is looking for a deal in the $10 million per year range, they may have to let him go. Many have speculated that Decker will not get huge offers on the market since he is a "system" player that puts up numbers because of how the Broncos throw the ball, but no one can deny his production the past two seasons even if it was mostly a benefit of playing with Peyton Manning. Decker has had back to back 1,000 yard seasons and now he could get attention from teams like the Chiefs or Giants, as both need wideout help and Kansas City saw him first hand, as he torched them for over 170 yards last season in December.
The Colts have been mentioned by ESPN.com as being interested and since Decker will be one of the top names on the market, he could ask for even more money. Brandon LaFell is an unrestricted free agent and while he has been solid for the Panthers over the past couple seasons as he has developed with Cam Newton, how much is he worth on the open market? The Panthers could try to bring him back if his asking price is not too high, while Decker could end up being an option if the team wants to spend a bit more on a receiver to put alongside Steve Smith if he returns as well.
Decker was very solid last season with 14.8 yards per reception average, but there are still questions about whether he can be a number one receiver and that will be the tough thing for teams to evaluate. Decker is a durable player and he has only missed two games in his career and that was during his rookie season and over the past three years he has increased his yards and receptions. L:ast season he was impressive with 87 catches for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns despite having to share with Wes Welker and Demaryius Thomas and before that he had 13 touchdowns, 85 catches and 1,064 yards the previous season.
The Colts have been mentioned as an option since they play on a turf perfect for Decker and he could be next in line for the number one spot with Reggie Wayne, but the team may not want to spend a ton on just a receiver. The team has a number of needs and while they have the fourth most projected cap room according to ESPN.com, there is a chance they could pass on him and stick with their young talent in TY Hilton and LaVon Brazill.
Decker was a top receiver last season and now teams will have to decide what he is worth.