NFL Free Agency: Jets Get Eric Decker, Slowly Getting Pieces for Offense

Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver defeated San Diego 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets won more games in 2013 than most people would have, especially with their uncertainty at quarterback.

Finally armed with cap space and some room to work, the Jets made their first real splash in 2014 free agency by signing former Broncos receiver Eric Decker to a five-year, $36.25 million contract worth $15 million in guarantees.

With Decker on board, the Jets have a chance to start establishing something offensively. They let go of Santonio Holmes, have question marks at tight end and running back, and it’s now time to get to work.

Decker is the first of many new pieces for the New York offense, and I think this is a perfect draft for them to address some of their major remaining needs offensively.

The motto of the draft should be “playmakers wanted” for the Jets, but I don’t think the Decker move prevents them from making more moves in free agency either. According to some reports, the Jets will still pursue former Packers receiver James Jones, who could play in the slot or on the outside.

Still, that would give the Jets two true number two receivers, and I think they are going to need to take to the draft to find someone with some big speed and playmaking ability. Lucky for them, there are plenty of options. Guys like Marqise Lee, Odell Beckham, and Brandin Cooks are guys that would make a lot of sense for the Jets in the first round and they may even be able to get one of those guys by trading down and accumulating some picks.

I don’t want to make too much out of the Decker signing, but it’s a major step in the right direction for New York.