Eric Decker says Ryan Fitzpatrick is best man for Jets’ QB job
Eric Decker #87 and Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the New York Jets celebrate after hooking up for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Eric Decker said the Jets are a win-now team, and that is why they need Ryan Fitzpatrick back at quarterback.
“Just because of the camaraderie we built and the relationship we had last year that we can build upon, I think he definitely is the right man for the type of team we have now,” Decker said on Tuesday Decker said on Tuesday at the United Way of New York City’s Gridiron Gala where he was honored as a “Hometown Hero.” “It’s a team that I think is ready to win now and we need someone of a better presence at the quarterback position.”
Of course, Fitzpatrick remains a free agent in an apparent standoff with the team. Although they are close, Decker had no update on Fitzpatrick’s status.
“You know as much as I know,” he told reporters. “I wish he would come back, but that’s a business decision. We’ll see what happens.”
What is happening now is the Jets are in their offseason program with three young quarterbacks, including rookie Christian Hackenberg, who was selected with a second-round pick. Decker said he was surprised the team made such a significant investment in the position that early in the draft.
“They saw something special in him,” Decker said. “They wanted to get him earlier rather than later, I guess.”
If Fitzpatrick does re-sign, it would give the Jets four potential quarterbacks heading into training camp.
“We’ve got three guys there and they’re still thinking about getting Fitzpatrick,” Decker said to sum up the situation. “There are 53 spots on a team and how you configure that we’ll see in the season. You want to bring the best guys to the team and have them compete and whoever is the best, the last man standing, gets the job.”
Decker made it clear who he thinks that should be.
Notes & quotes: Jets quarterback Geno Smith also attended the gala but declined to answer any football questions. “I’m just here to support Eric,” he said several times . . . Giants running back Rashad Jennings was also honored at the gala.
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
