Coming off the best season in his four-year NFL career, Eric Decker is getting plenty of interested heading into free agency. He might still re-sign with the Denver Broncos, but most signs point to another home, and specifically the Indianapolis Colts.
One of the Colts’ main goals this offseason is signing a proven wide receiver to help Andrew Luck in the passing game. Last year they struggled quite a bit offensively at times, partially because of Reggie Wayne’s injury and of Luck not having too much of a variety in his throwing options, not to mention a very unstable running game.
Decker has been enjoying the throwing talents of Peyton Manning for the last couple of years, catching for over 1000 yards in both 2012 and 2013. He had 87 receptions for 1288 yards (both career highs), scoring 11 touchdowns. He was also named as the AFC’s offensive player of the week once in week 13 of last season after a career day against the Chiefs with 8 catches for 174 yards and four touchdowns.
He wasn’t as productive in the playoffs, catching a total of 8 passes for 111 yards, including just one reception for six yards in the Super Bowl. Just like his teammates, the physicality and defensive schemes of the Seattle Seahawks were a bit too much for him, but it’s hard to pin that loss just on one player.
Decker wants to paid like a #1 receiver or not far from that number, but it’s hard to see that happening. Their cap situation doesn’t allow them to make that kind of expenditure without it limiting them somewhere else, and the Broncos probably have bigger needs than giving Decker the kind of money he wants.
The Colts have a lot more money under the cap to spend, and a much bigger need for another wide receiver, with T.Y. Hilton emerging as the team’s number 1. The chance of moving on from Peyton Manning and landing on a team with Andrew Luck would soften the blow for Decker, who will make this decision about money, not anything else.