Jets' Decker Denies He Skipped OTAs Over Fitzpatrick Situation; Marshall Won't Say If It Factored Into His Absence
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Jets wide receiver Eric Decker told reporters Wednesday that his absence from the team's organized team activities last week had nothing to do with the ongoing contract dispute between the team and free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Decker has been vocal about wanting the Jets to re-sign Fitzpatrick. The New York Post, citing a source, reported last week that Decker skipped the voluntary practices to send a message to the organization about Fitzpatrick. He spent the week on vacation with his family.
Decker returned to the Jets facility for OTAs on Tuesday. A day later, he refuted the Post report.
"That's not the reason I wasn't here," Decker said Wednesday in his first public comments since speculation surfaced about the possibility of a protest. "I told Coach where I was and what I was doing. I was with my family."
Fellow wide receiver Brandon Marshall, also an ardent supporter of Fitzpatrick, missed practices last week, too. When pressed Wednesday, Marshall would neither confirm nor deny that his absence had anything to do with the Fitzpatrick situation.
"You guys know how I feel about Ryan," he said. "I've said it over and over again, all offseason. There's a thin line between supporting your teammate and being detrimental to the team. ... At this point, it's time for all of us to move forward and try to figure out how we can win some games."
Marshall said he spent last week working out at his home in Florida.
MORE: Palladino: Fitzpatrick Must Be Realistic And Sign Jets' Offer
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.
Last season, Fitzpatrick, 33, passed for 3,905 yards and a team-record 31 touchdowns. The Jets went 10-6 with Fitzpatrick under center but missed the playoffs.
Geno Smith is currently taking first-team reps at OTAs.
