Eric Decker Released by Jets After Trade Rumors

The New York Jets released wide receiver Eric Decker on Tuesday amid a continued overhaul of the franchise's roster.

After confirming the move, the Jets shared a statement from team owner Woody Johnson:

Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported details of the high-profile move, noting the Jets "could not make [the] numbers" work on a potential trade.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported the Baltimore Ravens "had a dialogue" with the Jets prior to Decker's release and that he is a wide receiver the team "liked the most." However, La Canfora noted talks haven't gone "anywere" due to salary cap issues.

New York signed Decker away from the Denver Broncos, where he spent the first four years of his NFL career, with a five-year, $36.25 million contract in 2014. Now he joins Brandon Marshall, who was released and signed with the New York Giants, as big-name receivers leaving the team this offseason.

The 30-year-old Minnesota product racked up 163 catches for 2,183 yards and 19 touchdowns across 33 games in three seasons with the Jets.

He appeared in just three contests during the 2016 season before going on injured reserve with a torn rotator cuff. Along with shoulder surgery to repair that issue, the wideout also needed a hip procedure.

In October, Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media passed along comments from Decker about getting everything taken care of so he could be ready for the 2017 campaign.

"I didn't want to get the shoulder done, and then all of a sudden, I go into training camp feeling good and I get hit or fall," he said. "And I already have a torn labrum [in the hip], and it tears more. I might as well just get it taken care of now, so when next year comes, my body is fully healed up."

Decker only missed four games during his first six seasons in the league, so injuries aren't a major concern despite the recent setbacks. That's one reason he retained value after undergoing a pair of surgeries since he last stepped on the field.

The receiver should generate ample interest on the open market. Although he's coming off a forgettable 2016 season, he's only one year removed from a 1,000-yard campaign. He can still serve as a highly reliable possession target on the outside when healthy.

At 30, the biggest question may be whether he'll search for the most lucrative contract offer or if he's willing to take less money in order to chase a Super Bowl ring with a contender.