Indianapolis Colts Reportedly Interested in WR Eric Decker
By Evan Reller
Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Heath Farwell (55) in the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts have recently been linked to wide receiver Eric Decker. Decker will be a free agent in the coming weeks if a deal with the Denver Broncos isn’t worked out.
Denver sportscaster Vic Lombardi first reported on this mutual interest yesterday:
Among the teams that have interest in Eric Decker ... Indy. If he can't play with PFM, he'd love to roll with Andrew Luck.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) February 27, 2014
Decker recorded career highs this past season while helping Peyton Manning lock up his fifth MVP award. He finished the season with 87 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Despite the great regular season, Decker disappeared in the postseason. He recorded eight receptions for 111 yards and zero touchdowns.
Decker is reportedly wanting to be paid as a number one receiver. He did finish in the top 12 among receivers in yardage, receptions, and touchdowns. He was also fourth in DYAR and 13th in DVOA. But how much of that was Manning?
The Colts are certainly in the market for a wide receiver, but should they try and fill that need through free agency? The past two seasons they have signed players to the position. Neither Donnie Avery nor Darrius Heyward-Bey were very successful in Indy.
Would the money that Decker is asking for be worth it? The Colts certainly have the cap space to sign someone like Decker, but there are other players who would likely offer more value.
Indy also has the trio of Griff Whalen, LaVon Brazill, and Da’Rick Rogers who seemed to come around by the end of the year. This isn’t a ringing endorsement for those three, but they have lots of options outside of Decker.
He would more than likely excell with Andrew Luck throwing him the ball, but Decker hasn’t really earned the money of a top tier receiver. The last thing the Colts need to do is overpay a free agent.
Decker would be a good fit in Indy, but only for the right price.
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