There’s already plenty of drama surrounding the New York Jets, and the NFL regular season doesn’t start for another three months or so.
The Jets and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick remain at odds over a contract. Fitzpatrick is a free agent, but he’s yet to sign with anyone, and there are some who believe both sides would benefit from a reunion.
But it hasn’t been that easy, and things are starting to get ugly. It appears wide receiver Eric Decker picked his side in the whole fiasco, and he’s on the side of his quarterback.
Decker skipped the Jets’ organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and the New York Post’s Brian Costello reported Wednesday night that Decker’s decision was something of a protest. While OTAs are voluntary, Decker reportedly skipped them with the hopes of sending a message to Jets management.
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
Fitzpatrick had the best season of his career in 2015. The Harvard product only completed 59.6 percent of his passes, but he threw for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns while leading the Jets to a 10-6 record.
Decker enjoyed success with Fitzpatrick under center, catching 80 passes for 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns in his second season with the Jets — all increases from his first season, when Geno Smith was New York’s quarterback.
It doesn’t look like there’s going to be a quick fix to this messy situation. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last month that Fitzpatrick would rather not play this season than accept a recent Jets offer.
Thumbnail photo via Thomas J. Russo/USA TODAY Sports Images
