BuffaLowDown
Fansided

Jeremy Maclin signs with Baltimore Ravens over Buffalo Bills

By Ryan Brennan

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) canoot get the second foot down on a potential touchdown catch as New York Jets strong safety Rontez Miles (45) defends during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) canoot get the second foot down on a potential touchdown catch as New York Jets strong safety Rontez Miles (45) defends during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Free agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin made his decision on Monday, choosing to sign with the Baltimore Ravens over the Buffalo Bills.

When the Kansas City Chiefs released Pro Bowl wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, the Buffalo Bills pounced on the opportunity to sign him. Unfortunately, Maclin ended up signing with the Baltimore Ravens, the team he visited after his visit with Buffalo.

Looking at how the Bills’ receiving corps performed last year and the amount of new faces this season, adding a reliable target like Maclin would’ve instantly gave this offense a boost. With him taking his talents to Baltimore, the Bills will either have to roll with what they have or continue to fight for other free agent receivers.

Currently, the Buffalo Bills have Sammy Watkins and Zay Jones leading the way, with a bunch of role players fighting for reps. Andre Holmes, Rod Streater, Philly Brown, Brandon Tate, Walter Powell, Jeremy Butler, Brandon Reilly, Dezmin Lewis, Rashad Ross and Daikiel Shorts fit in that group. Of those 10 receivers, expect half of them to get cut.

Since Maclin isn’t an option anymore, don’t forget about Eric Decker. Officially released by the New York Jets on Monday after a trade partner was nowhere to be found, Decker could provide that reliable target Buffalo is looking for. He did only play three games last season due to a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum in his hip — requiring surgery.

The good news is he returned ahead of schedule — without being rushed — and has been practicing during OTA’s — before being released.

More from BuffaLowDown

At this point, if the Buffalo Bills are looking for another receiver to bolster their offense, Decker should be the popular route. In the four years prior to last season, Decker was killin’ it. In 2012 and 2013, he combined for 172 catches, 2,352 yards and 24 touchdowns with the Denver Broncos. In 2014 and 2015, he combined for another 154 catches, 1,989 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Jets.

It’s safe to say he would’ve continued that streak last season, had he played a full season. It’s also important to note that his injury history isn’t bad, only missing 4 games in the 6 years prior to last season.

Right now, the Buffalo Bills could fit themselves as a top suitor for Decker if they show the same kind of love they showed Maclin. Both LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor were heavy recruiters for Jeremy Maclin, with McDermott even giving high praise. If they can do that with Decker, he could easily fall in love with Buffalo.

If we have to, we can go the route the Baltimore Ravens went with Maclin and have some company offer him free food — and eventually increasing their offer.

https://twitter.com/JimmysSeafood/status/872847614563278848

Someone get Duff’s on the phone, QUICK.

Next: Mike Gillislee says the Patriots 'work harder' than Buffalo

Should the Buffalo Bills pursue Eric Decker or no? Leave your thoughts below!

Home/Buffalo Bills News