Eric Decker is set to hit the free agent market in 2014 and it comes after two very productive seasons with Peyton Manning and while the Denver Broncos want him back, they may not be able to afford the WR and teams like the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Oakland Raiders, Niners, Green Bay Packers and NY Giants could be potential destinations.
Even if Decker wants to stay, the fact that the Broncos already have Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker could keep that from happening. Decker is going to have the best leverage of his career this season as he hits the market and that could price him out of Denver and into the hands of someone else. Last season Decker had 87 catches and nearly 1,300 yards along with 11 touchdowns and while that was partially due to Manning putting up great numbers, Decker also showed how valuable he can be to an offense.
Last season Decker made just $1.3 million and after the way he has played over the past two seasons he is likely to cash in and another reason that he is likely gone is the fact that the team needs to re-sign Knowshon Moreno as well and he is 26 and will get a raise after his 1,000 yard season and double digit touchdown performance. Manning had Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Wes Welker along with Decker as his targets last season and the Broncos may sit tight with what is on the roster and let Decker go.
According to Pro Football Talk, Decker could ask for $10 million and that prices him out of Denver and a team like the Oakland Raiders and their $60 million in cap space could step to the plate. The Carolina Panthers could add another top receiver to the mix, while the Niners, Giants and Pacers are all fits as well. The Patriots could be an interesting option, as Decker could become the new Welker and if the team ditches Danny Amendola that could open things up for him.
