Eric Decker Reportedly Skipped OTAs Due to Ryan Fitzpatrick Contract Situation

New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker is reportedly absent from organized team activities as a protest of the organization not signing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a new contract.

Brian Costello of the New York Post categorized Decker as "upset" and noted he is skipping workouts as a way of "sending a message." OTAs are voluntary, so Decker cannot be punished for his absence.   

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole noted wide receiver Brandon Marshall was also absent but that it had nothing to do with Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick, 33, remains an unrestricted free agent despite a career-best year for the Jets in 2015. He threw for 3,905 yards and 31 touchdowns against 15 interceptions, setting a number of franchise records in the process. The Jets went 10-6 under first-year coach Todd Bowles, a six-win improvement over the previous season.

ESPN.com's Adam Schefter reported the Jets offered Fitzpatrick a contract starting in the $7-8 million per year range. Fitzpatrick was looking for double that number at the time of the report. 

While $14-16 million for an average NFL starter might seem steep, it's the going rate on the open market. The Houston Texans paid Brock Osweiler, he of only seven NFL starts, $72 million over four years to lure him from Denver. Sam Bradford might not even start for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, and he got $36 million.

"I understand the market and I understand those guys. I'm happy for them, what they got," Fitzpatrick told SiriusXM NFL Radio, via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. 

"I know my value to a team is my value to a particular team. You'd drive yourself crazy if you look at other guys and say, 'Why not me? Why not me?'"

Decker is one of three notable veterans who have not been at Jets practice. Besides Marshall, center Nick Mangold has also been absent. Marshall has been vocal about wanting Fitzpatrick to return, and Mangold and Decker attended a New York Rangers game with their quarterback in April.

"I don't think they've said anything negative about me," said 2015 backup Geno Smith, who has been taking first-team reps in Fitzpatrick's stead, per Cimini. "I do understand those guys. ... We all had a wonderful year last year. I don't want to speak on anyone else's statements, but it doesn't rub me the wrong way."

The staredown between the Jets and Fitzpatrick is a little strange all around. The Jets were nearly a playoff team last season. Even if you find a $12 million middle ground between the two numbers, Fitzpatrick is going to be making good money and the Jets won't be crippled from a cap perspective. At age 33, Fitzpatrick likely isn't out here expecting a five-year contract.

Both sides need to swallow their pride, link up on a deal for two or three years and move on before there is a full-blown mutiny. The Jets have a good thing going; it's best they don't go and Jets it all up.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.