Wide receiver Eric Decker will visit with the Ravens on Thursday, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). This marks Decker’s second visit of free agency, following his March meeting with the Raiders.
Decker was a late surprise cut by the Jets last year, leading him to sign a one-year deal with the Titans. He fell a little flat in Tennessee, recording 54 catches for just 563 yards and one touchdown. Decker also missed most of 2016 due to injury, so the 31-year-old is now two years removed from performing as a high-end wide receiver.
In 2015, Decker’s last complete season, he hauled in 80 catches for 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Jets. He also had 1,000+ yard seasons in 2012 and 2013 with the Broncos and nearly hit that mark in his first Jets season in 2014.
The Ravens have revamped their WR group this offseason by allowing Mike Wallace to leave in free agency and adding Michael Crabtree and John Brown. On the surface, that wouldn’t leave a ton of targets for Decker, but he would be in for a more prominent role if Brown cannot stay healthy.
Recently, Decker expressed interest in a return to Denver, but it’s not clear if the interest is mutual.
He is a great tight end-esque red zone threat and a reliable route runner. With the recent loss of Benjamin Watson I would love to see this signing. Just hope he stays healthy and that we use him more than we used Maclin because that was just embarrassing.
I think you would make a great tight end.
this is likely a similar production to adding a guy like dez bryant, but for 1/8 the cost
This wouldn’t be too bad a signing if it’s for the right price. If he stays healthy he could be a decent threat especially if Flacco can get him the ball. It would also allow us to pursue other needs to fill in the draft instead of drafting a WR. We could draft a TE 1st and O-lineman or RB in the 2nd. Again it would have to be at the right price since we don’t have much to work with.
We still need to draft a top-end WR who can be a long-term answer. Even if Crab plays out his entire contract at a high-level, there’s literally no one else on the roster who can challenge a defense.
Ravens are probably more receptive to signing veteran WRs than any other team. Decker is a spring chicken compared to Steve Smith who they had on the roster. He can provide some depth and is affordable. This could be a better than average acquisition IF Eric stays healthy.