New York Jets WR Eric Decker was surprised the team picked Christian Hackenberg in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |
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New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker, who continues to lobby for Ryan Fitzpatrick's return, says he was surprised when the team drafted quarterback Christian Hackenberg in the second round.
"I was a little surprised, to be honest with you," Decker told ESPN.com at a charity event in Manhattan, where he was honored by the United Way of New York City. "But Mike (Maccagnan, the general manager) and his scouts do their research and homework for a reason and they saw something special with him. I guess they wanted him earlier than later."
The Jets drafted the Penn State quarterback with the No. 51 pick in the 2016 draft.
Decker and other teammates have come out in support of the Jets bringing back the unsigned Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback.
Fitzpatrick and the Jets remain far apart on reaching a deal. The Jets reportedly have offered Fitzpatrick between $7 million and $8 million per year and the veteran is thought to be seeking twice that amount.
Fitzpatrick, 33, had a career year with the Jets last season, throwing for 3,905 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in his first year with the Jets. Fitzpatrick led the Jets to a 10-6 record and set the franchise mark for touchdown passes.
"Just because of the camaraderie I built and the relationship we had last year, and what we can build upon, I think he definitely is the right man for the type of team we have now," Decker said. "It's a team that's ready to win now, and we need someone with a veteran presence at the quarterback position. My job is to catch the ball, but obviously, I want what's best for the team -- and that relationship I want as well."
The Jets now have quarterbacks Hackenberg, Geno Smith and Bryce Petty on their roster. For now, Smith is the No. 1 quarterback, followed by Bryce Petty, who was a fourth-round pick last year, and Hackenberg.
General manager Mike Maccagnan said the Jets are looking forward to seeing Smith get extended repetitions after losing his job to Fitzpatrick because of injury last year. Smith, who started 29 games in 2013 and 2014, missed eight weeks in 2015 with a broken jaw after teammate IK Enemkpali socked Smith in the locker room over an unpaid debt of $600.
Smith's record was 11-18 as a starter and interceptions were the issue for Smith, who had 34 picks and 25 touchdowns entering last season.
