The New York Jets have released wide receiver Eric Decker, six days after saying they would do so if they couldn't work out a trade.
The announcement on Monday officially ends Decker's tenure with the team after three seasons. It's the latest in a series of off-season moves by the Jets to cut high-priced veterans.
New York cut linebacker David Harris last Tuesday after 10 seasons, and general manager Mike Maccagnan also announced that the Jets would be parting with Decker.
"We think very highly of Eric. Our focus right now is seeing our young players, how they do," said Maccagnan earlier this week. "We wish Eric, going forward, a lot of success."
Over the past couple of days, the Jets attempted to facilitate a trade involving Decker.
"You never know how this is going to unfold," Maccagnan said on Tuesday. "Sometimes trades happen after word gets out. But again, from our standpoint, we want to make sure we are clear with Eric where we are headed and give him an opportunity."
Decker's departure will save the Jets $7.25m in salary. The 30-year-old receiver had 163 catches for 2,183 yards and 19 touchdowns in three seasons with New York.
Decker and Harris have joined Darrelle Revis, Nick Mangold, Nick Folk and Brandon Marshall as veterans who have left the team this offseason.
