New York Jets WR Eric Decker’s OTA Absence No Big Deal
New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker went on a family vacation instead of catching passes from stopgap quarterback Geno Smith in May, and that’s fine.
New York Jets wideout Eric Decker became the most notable absentee from organized team activities due to New York Post reporter Brian Costello’s late night tweet:
Eric Decker skipped OTAs this week because he is upset the organization has yet to sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, according to a source. #nyj
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) May 26, 2016
Then, the rumor mill started to flare about Decker showing solidarity or utter unprofessionalism.
Hours after Costello’s tweet, Decker’s wife posted a candid photo between daddy and daughter on a family vacation via Instagram.
At this point, everyone turns into Dick Tracy to get inside Decker’s head. Did he pre-plan a trip with his family at the beginning of OTAs to protest the stalled contract talks between the front office and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick? Is this simply a coincidence with family coming before voluntary workouts?
Related Story: Jets News: Ryan Fitzpatrick Wants to Return
Notice the keyword, voluntary.
In a press conference after Day 2 of OTAs, head coach Todd Bowles said he expected wideout Brandon Marshall, center Nick Mangold and Decker to miss the voluntary workouts. He also mentioned that all three veterans would rejoin the team when they’re done with their situations off the field.
In other words, there’s no shocker. With the voluntary aspect, it’s no big deal.
It’s highly unlikely that Marshall, Decker and Mangold miss mandatory minicamp June 14-16 or any portion of training camp.
Despite the “voluntary” tag, head coaches want to see all players participate in OTAs. However, the absence doesn’t indicate a lackadaisical approach to the season or a mutiny in the Jets’ case.
In an interview with the NFL Network, Decker predicted Fitzpatrick and the front office would come to an agreement in July, which raises the question. Why practice in shorts and a T-shirt on a warm day with quarterback Geno Smith, who’s not seen as the starter?
It’s comparable to a high school senior rushing to class knowing a substitute teacher will run the show for awhile, but the regular instructor looms overhead with a potential return.
If Fitzpatrick doesn’t appear on the Jets’ practice field late July and the veterans continue to miss time, then it becomes an issue. At that point, it’s important to practice with whoever takes reps with the first team.
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Sure, the Jets’ starting wideouts want the quarterback who helped them record double-digit touchdown totals and eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Both receivers probably could’ve made an extra effort to show up at OTAs. However, the insinuation that this “protest” will linger into mandatory minicamp or training camp doesn’t make sense.
Marshall has already publicly voiced his lukewarm confidence in Smith or Bryce Petty for the upcoming season, per New York Post reporter Bart Hubbuch. The team understands that Fitzpatrick’s return isn’t a given.
Despite what players say to the media, they read the news clippings.
The 33-year-old journeyman quarterback hasn’t drawn interest from other teams and says he plans on playing in the upcoming season, preferably with the Jets, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
Where else will Fitzpatrick play other than East Rutherford for Gang Green?
Unless the Jets feel completely comfortable with Smith under center, which they don’t, neither side has an ideal alternative in these negotiations.
It’s always fun to stir up conspiracy theories and dramatize storylines for offseason chatter, but the Jets OTAs are just as boring as any other team’s voluntary routines.
More ny sports: New York Jets: Geno Smith Ready to Seize the Opportunity
In the Jets’ situation, it’s just a bunch of veterans enjoying their summer vacations. Players with several years of experience would prefer to enjoy life with their families rather catch passes from or snap to a stopgap quarterback in May.
Marshall, Decker and Mangold will return to the practice field no later than mid-June. By late July, Fitzpatrick will probably re-sign on a two-year deal worth $26 million with incentives to sweeten the pot.