Eric Decker had 87 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Denver Broncos last season. His body of work likely will make him one of the most sought-after wide receivers once free agency starts March 11.
Decker, who is expected to test free agency, said on SiriusXM NFL radio this week that money will not be the only factor in his decision.
“It’s not all about the money for me,” Decker said. “It’s about going to work every day and having fun and enjoying my job.”
Denver probably will not use the franchise tag on Decker, as the team has two other priorities — Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas — to sign first. Playing with Peyton Manning certainly is hard to walk away from, but Decker pointed to other factors in the decision.
“There is a side of playing football, and there is the business side,” Decker said, via ESPN.com. “That’s something that obviously I’ll have to have conversations [about] with my representation. I want to do the best thing for my family and myself.”
Most signs point to Decker, a first-time free agent, leaving the Broncos and signing a large deal with another team, but there’s a chance he stays with Denver.
“This is an organization that any player wants to come to. I mean, they treat you first class,” he said. “It’s a winning organization. They’ve built a culture here that is phenomenal. I would love to play here.”
Other teams probably will be more willing to offer a big contract, especially with the Broncos still needing to sign several players. Decker has that in mind as free agency approaches.
“If we can get on the same page, I will welcome a call from the Broncos,” Decker said. “But I need to do what’s best for my family.”
