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Eric Decker’s top free agent fit: Tennessee Titans

By Sayre Bedinger

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a pass in front of Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey (21) during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a pass in front of Buffalo Bills defensive back Nickell Robey (21) during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eric Decker is now officially a free agent and will be able to sign with any team as of Tuesday afternoon. Here’s why the Tennessee Titans are his top fit…

It’s not often players with the ability of Jeremy Maclin and Eric Decker become available in free agency in June. For the players, it’s not even necessarily an ideal situation as they have spent the last few months learning a completely different playbook, but for Decker, it’s a chance to get back on a contending football team.

That’s going to be a significant change of pace, and something Decker hasn’t really experienced since he was last with the Denver Broncos in 2013.

One team that could intrigue Decker — and his family — is the Tennessee Titans.

The Titans are coming off of an up-and-down season, one where they flexed their great potential with up-and-coming young quarterback Marcus Mariota, and one where they showed their youth and inexperience as well.

In the weak AFC South, the Titans contended for a playoff spot, but just missed out. In 2017, they are fully expected to compete for an AFC South title and make life tough on opponents in the playoffs if they can make it in.

With Decker, making the playoffs would be even more likely, as he’s been a touchdown machine since coming into the league in 2010 and earning a primary role in 2011 with the Broncos.

Decker only played in three games last season, catching just nine passes, but he proved my previous point by catching two touchdowns among those nine passes. Among active players, Decker ranks 14th in career receiving touchdowns with 52.

He has three seasons with 10 or more touchdowns, as well as three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. He’s been very productive throughout his career, and has proven himself even despite some poor quarterback play.

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The fit for Decker in Tennessee isn’t due to their lack of depth at the position, necessarily, but he would be a great 1A while rookie Corey Davis develops. He’s a guy who understands how to exploit defenses, especially in the red zone, where Marcus Mariota has been among the most efficient quarterbacks in the game.

That combination would be absolutely deadly.

Not only is the on-field fit obvious for Decker and the Titans, but being in the heart of Country Music production would be a great situation for Decker’s wife, Jessie James Decker as well.

It’s a win-win.

According to Spotrac, the Titans currently have over $45 million in cap space, so money is not a problem here either.

This seems like a great fit for both sides, though Decker would probably be a great fit wherever he lands. He’s just a good receiver who does his job very well, and any NFL team would benefit from having him around.

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