Jets receivers reportedly aren’t happy Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t been signed.
It was reported Eric Decker skipped organized team activities this week in protest of Fitzpatrick still not being signed and now it appears fellow wide receiver Brandon Mashall has joined him. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports Marshall and Decker haven’t shown up to OTA’s for consecutive days. While he writes there’s been no clear reasoning on why that’s the case, Mehta reports it’s easy to assume what’s going on. Jets coach Todd Bowles told Mehta the no-shows were “voluntary.”
It’s no surprise Decker and Marshall want Fitzpatrick back in the lineup. Both receivers had incredible seasons with Fitzpatrick behind center, racking up over 1000 yards and double digit touchdowns. Decker admitted he was surprised to see New York take Christian Hackenberg in the second round of this year’s NFL draft. He’s clearly team Fitzpatrick and doesn’t want Hackenberg or Geno Smith throwing his way. It’s easy to see why that’s the case, as the two QB’s wouldn’t give Decker or Marshall nearly the same receiving numbers or opportunities.
Pro Football Talk reports the Jets are likely to sign Fitzpatrick but are currently far apart in contract talks. With Decker and Marshall protesting, perhaps it will force the Jets to up their offer and make their star players happy. Otherwise, the longer this goes on, the uglier it gets for the organization.
