Eric Decker is about to become one of the most sought after free agents on the open market. While the wide receiver is open to re-signing with the Denver Broncos, he is prepared to test his value with other teams. Decker is already garnering plenty of interest before March 11 rolls around and could be in for a big pay raise before next season.
According to CBS Denver reporter Vic Lombardi, the Indianapolis Colts are hoping to be the team that signs Decker to big money. The team is in big need of offensive help. Last season they lost Reggie Wayne to a torn ACL and were forced to sign Deion Branch off the free agent market. Darrius Heyward-Bey was brought in during the offseason, but did very little on the field. Da'Rick Rogers was not much in his rookie season. T.Y. Hilton was really the best Andrew Luck had to work with.
Lombardi reports that he believes Decker would be very interested in coming to play for Luck if he does not return to Denver. The young quarterback has a very similar style to Peyton Manning, so the adjustment would not be difficult for the wide receiver.
Decker has certainly excelled under Manning. He is coming off his best season after putting up 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns. His stats certainly saw a boost at the hands of Manning, but Decker still managed to find the end zone while playing for both Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow. He is now looking to be paid like a No. 1 receiver, something that might not happen in Denver considering how many receivers the team already has.
Deckers says he just wants to do what is best for he and his family, whether that is returning to Denver or not.
"I would love to come back. I don't know my future either," Decker said, via the Denver Post. "It makes it more real. And you just appreciate again what this year has meant to all of us," he continued."
Outside of the Colts, who else could be interested in Decker? The Carolina Panthers could easily be an option. Steve Smith is no guarantee to return as he enters free agency. The team just restructured several contracts, leaving them with salary cap space to burn. The New England Patriots could also be a target for the wide receiver. The team is expecting Julian Edelman to hit the open market and plan on making a run at a proven veteran. No matter where Decker lands, he can guarantee a big pay raise.
