The New York Jets will part ways with veteran receiver Eric Decker. Decker becomes the second high profile player to get the ax from the Jets, joining linebacker David Harris.
The Jets are planning to trade or release Decker this week. Decker, 30, underwent hip and shoulder surgery last fall, but he’s healthy and has been practicing throughout the team’s OTAs.
Besides Harris and Decker, the Jets have also gotten rid of multiple other veterans, including Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold, Brandon Marshall, and Calvin Pryor.
The Jets’ top receivers are Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson, who have a combined 100 career catches.
Without Decker and Harris, the Jets will have only four players age 30 or older on the roster: Josh McCown (37), Tanner Purdum (32), Matt Forte (31) and Steve McLendon (31).
Harris, 33, the Jets’ longest-tenured player, was blindsided by the move. He practiced Tuesday in his usual spot at starting middle linebacker, and later talked with ESPN about his longevity — the only holdover from the Eric Mangini era (2006-08).
Minutes later, he was summoned to coach Todd Bowles’ office for the bad news.
Harris, a second-round pick in 2007, ranks No. 2 in tackles in team history (1,260). He called the defensive signals for Bowles’ defense and played 87 percent of the defensive snaps last season.
Known for his durability, Harris started and played in 137 of the last 138 games. He missed one game last season, snapping his streak of 121 consecutive starts.
Though the team saves $13.75 million on their cap by getting rid of Harris and Decker, it’s far too late in the offseason to do anything with that money. It seems as though the Jets will rely on young players, accumulate draft picks, and will essentially forgo winning. Instead, they will more than likely be picking in the top 5 for the next few years.