Reports: Decker, Marshall Arrive At Jets OTAs
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- After missing last week's practices, Jets wide receivers Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall were at organized team activities Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
Their absence from the voluntary sessions last week fueled speculation that the two receivers were protesting the ongoing contract dispute between the Jets and free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Both Decker and Marshall have been vocal this offseason about their desire to see Fitzpatrick re-signed.
The New York Post, citing a source, reported last week that Decker was indeed sending a message to the organization about Fitzpatrick. He spent the week on vacation with his family.
Newsday, meanwhile, reported that Marshall's absence was not related to the Fitzpatrick situation.
Center Nick Mangold also did not attend last week's workouts, but that was because his wife was giving birth to their child.
The Jets have reportedly offered Fitzpatrick a three-year, $24 million contract that would pay him $12 million in 2016 and $6 million in each the second and third years. The latter years are believed to be the sticking point in negotiations, which have been at a stalemate for months. Incentives could make the deal potentially worth $36 million, according to reports.
The New York Daily News' Manish Mehta reported Tuesday that some players now believe Fitzpatrick is amenable to spurning the Jets on principle and accepting less money to play for another team. However, no other team can offer Fitzpatrick a guaranteed starting job.
Last season, Fitzpatrick, 33, passed for 3,905 yards and a team-record 31 touchdowns.
Geno Smith is currently taking first-team reps at OTAs.
The Jets have three voluntary practices this week and four more next week. They will hold a three-day mandatory minicamp beginning June 14.