Don’t be surprised if ArDarius Stewart is a day one starter in the National Football League. The former Alabama wide receiver is about to go from third-round pick to primary target for New York Jets, especially after the latest news revealed from the franchise.
Per a tweet from NFL Network on Tuesday, the Jets are cutting ties from seven-year veteran Eric Decker this week. Decker, who spent three seasons in New York, played in just three games a season ago due to a shoulder injury. He signed a five-year, $36.35 million deal with the team in 2014, following a productive four-year stint with the Denver Broncos from 2010 to 2013.
The New York Jets informed WR Eric Decker they will release or trade him this week.
via | @MikeGarafolo pic.twitter.com/bS0RvXUFIP
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 6, 2017
Whether it decides to cut or trade Decker, the Jets will already be without Devin Smith at wide receiver for next season. Smith, a former Ohio State standout, sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee back on April 29. He’s been on injury reserve since May 22.
With both guys gone, the roster at receiver is very young.
Robby Anderson, Qunicy Enunwa, Frankie Hammond, Chris Harper and Myles White all enter their fourth NFL season in the upcoming fall; however, Enunwa was the lone productive target of the group on offense.
He led the team in receiving with 58 catches for 857 yards and four touchdowns in 2016. Jets’ head coach Todd Bowles has mentioned on a few occasions that he likes the toughness and competitiveness that ArDarius Stewart has in going after the football. With the inconsistent play of both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty at quarterback, having a receiver like Stewart to break off his routes and work back to the passer is a plus.
He would turn in a 1,000-yard career with the Crimson Tide, posting 1,713 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 129 catches through three seasons after redshirting his freshman year in 2013.
Despite rumors of the Jets targeting Steve Smith, Sr., the 38-year-old is currently retired and should he return, he would only be back to reclaim his title of being the oldest wide out in the league.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
