The New England Patriots plan to make their competition at wide receiver more interesting after working out veteran wideout Eric Decker on Monday (July 30). The 31-year-old Decker has played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and the Tennessee Titans in his eight-year NFL career.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Patriots took a closer look at Decker after some members of their wide receiver corps suffered some injury issues, including Kenny Britt, Malcolm Mitchell, and Jordan Matthews.

Aside from Britt, Mitchell, and Matthews, other wide receivers on the Patriots’ roster are Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Matthew Slater, Cordarrelle Patterson, Braxton Berrios, Devin Lucien, Riley McCarron, Paul Turner, and Julian Edelman, who is suspended for the first four games of the season.

Last season, with the Titans, Decker caught 54 passes for 563 yards and a touchdown in 16 games. Decker made his mark with the Broncos from 2012 to 2013 when he tallied consecutive years with 80-plus catches, more than 1,000 yards and 24 touchdowns combined. In his eight seasons, Decker has caught 439 passes for 5,816 yards and 53 touchdowns.

The Patriots lost two of their key receivers from last season after they traded Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams, while Danny Amendola joined the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. Amendola recently broke up with his girlfriend as well.

Decker sees Patriots as good fit

In an interview with Sirius XM NFL radio in June, Decker said he will be a “good fit” with the Patriots.

Decker also admitted that he even considered joining the Patriots before eventually signing with the Titans. In 2010, Decker was drafted in the third round by then-Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, who is now the offensive coordinator of the Patriots.

At this point in his career, the veteran wideout said he wants to play for a team that has a chance of competing for the Super Bowl.

Decker is also eyeing for play for a quarterback who will recognize his skill set and make him a valuable contributor to the team.

Patriots sign veteran OL Brian Schwenke

The Patriots also boosted their offensive line by signing veteran Brian Schwenke to a deal. However, the Patriots did not divulge details of the contract. In a corresponding move, the Patriots released rookie tight end Shane Wimann.

A fourth-round pick by Tennessee in the 2013 NFL Draft, the 27-year-old Schwenke played five seasons with the Titans. During that span, Schwenke played in 57 NFL games with 30 starts. Schwenke is known for his versatility, as he also had 25 starts at center and five at left guard.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED