Eric Decker and Jeremy Maclin a steal for these teams
By Dan Salem
Eric Decker and Jeremy Maclin are now available, meaning two NFL teams are in for a major offensive upgrade. The Ravens, Bills, and Panthers headline as suitors.
You have a wide receiver! And you have a wide receiver! Check under your seats; a wide receiver for everyone! With Jeremy Maclin being released by the Kansas City Chiefs and Eric Decker set to be cut by the New York Jets, suddenly two elite wide receivers are on the market. This late in the NFL offseason, it is a rare occurrence to find such intriguing free agents.
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Two NFL teams are in for a major offensive upgrade, but where do Maclin and Decker fit in and how much of an impact will they have on their new teams? The stove is hot this June, as the NFL offseason rolls on.
Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, discuss Eric Decker and Jeremy Maclin in today’s NFL Sports Debate.
Todd Salem:
Maclin and Decker have both been No. 1 guys in their respective careers. Neither is washed up, though both have suffered through injuries recently. However, neither guy was cut because of injury concerns. Maclin was a cap casualty who was making too much money for what he was offering KC. And Decker was simply a victim of the Jets’ tank job who didn’t fit into their long-term plan. These are two weapons who could change the ceiling of a new offense.
Where does each guy fit in? How much of a difference will they make? Imagine if the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens added a number-one receiver. That is arguably each team’s biggest weakness and, perhaps, the only thing holding them back from making the postseason. Buffalo lost their top target from last year other than the oft-injured Sammy Watkins. They added a receiver in the draft, but a Maclin or Decker could bring this run-heavy offense to the next level. The same goes for the Ravens, who have nothing approaching a go-to guy right now.
Or what about the Tennessee Titans? They are forcing rookie Corey Davis into the No. 1 spot in Week 1 of his first season. What if he could have a little less pressure by playing alongside Rishard Matthews and one of these free agents? I feel the same way about the Carolina Panthers, who would do well to take pressure off of Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess by bringing in a true top guy.
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Am I overrating the impact Maclin and Decker could have on a new club? I really feel like all four of these teams could be playoff teams by adding an elite wide receiver. The irony is the Chiefs are almost in the same boat after jettisoning Maclin for cap purposes. Maybe they are a team to look at adding Decker!
Dan Salem:
Both of these wide receivers have the potential to transform an offense. Eric Decker in particular offers a new dynamic for every team you mentioned. I have no injury concerns for either player right now and receivers tend to have more longevity anyhow, overcoming injury and returning to the player we once knew. The key to determining which NFL team snatches up Decker and Maclin is in the salary cap. I expect an incentive laden one year deal, with a potential second year option. Anything long-term seems unlikely at this point in the year.
The Baltimore Ravens are a great fit for either player. I like Baltimore to lead the AFC North this season and adding Decker or Maclin gives them the edge they need to do so. Joe Flacco doesn’t get to play with a true number one receiver very often. He often looks pedestrian during the regular season, so adding a Mr. Reliable to the passing game is a great move.
Kansas City adding Decker is nice on paper, but I’m not sure the finances will add up. I do think the Carolina Panthers would be wise to sign either player to compliment their offense. Cam Newton is coming off of a major injury, but this team is only a season removed from dominating the entire NFC conference. Turning their receiving core into a trifecta of talent puts them right back up near the top of the division, at the very least.
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I can’t overstate the impact that Decker and Maclin will have on whichever team signs their services. They would have gotten major paydays back in January, but since they now come reasonably cheap, this should be a frenzy of sorts to get them. Both are smart players with high pedigrees. They’ve played for winning teams. Its amazing that both are now available.