Eric Decker

Eric Decker, who signed with the New England Patriots in the wake of the injury and subsequent release of Jordan Matthews, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons.

Fantasy Impact

Decker was reportedly on the roster bubble anyway, and on the outside looking in, so this isn't a big surprise for the veteran receiver. The important fantasy news for this is the coming rumors about Dez Bryant (which I would call unlikely to come to fruition), and the still-available role in the slot, which may be played by anyone ranging from Phillip Dorsett to rookie Braxton Berrios to Riley McCarron. Keep an eye on the Patriots' receiving corps for the rest of preseason.

Eric Decker struggled in Friday night's preseason game against the Panthers. He did not play a single snap with the first team offense, and caught just two of five passes from Brian Hoyer, dropping one.

Fantasy Impact

Decker offers nothing on special teams, which could have potentially saved his roster spot. He has struggled with drops throughout the preseason, and he's plainly not currently in the Patriots' plans. Absent a major injury to one or more wide receivers in the next week, Decker looks highly likely to be cut.

Recently-signed veteran receiver Eric Decker "is reportedly off to an uneven start at Patriots training camp," according to Boston Globe writer Hayden Byrd. Decker has struggled to reel in catches and has committed multiple drops, making his chances of making New England's roster much more difficult.

Fantasy Impact

Decker, 31, didn't fare well in one season with the Titans and didn't draw a lot of interest in free agency before joining New England on August 3rd, which came after Jordan Matthews was sent to IR. The Patriots could use a dependable pass-catcher to fill in while Julian Edelman sits out the first month of the season but Decker will have to start showing more consistency to have a chance at beating out the 10 other wideouts currently in camp. Decker is nothing more than a late-round flier at this point.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the New England Patriots are expected to sign free agent WR Eric Decker to a one-year deal. The club brought in Decker yesterday for a workout after placing Jordan Matthews on season-ending IR.

Fantasy Impact

Decker, 31, struggled to get going last season with the Titans and has appeared to be in decline since a strong 2015 showing. However, Decker has always displayed toughness and had a knack for getting into the end zone so we can't discount that he could rebound in a big way with the high-octane Patriots. Decker checks a lot of boxes for a successful Bill Belichick wideout and should get the chance to start in the slot right away as Julian Edelman serves a four-game suspension to open the 2018 season. Decker is definitely worth a late-round look at his currently deflated ADP that will undoubtedly start rising quickly.

Eric Decker caught six of seven targets for 85 yards on Saturday against the Patriots.

Fantasy Impact

Decker could have had an even bigger game had he not been called for an extremely ticky-tack offensive pass interference call. It was a nice effort in what was otherwise a lost season for the veteran. He's an unrestricted free agent after the season so his value will depend on where he ends up.