Eric Decker is now a free agent.
After the organization failed to negotiate a trade, the Jets released the veteran wide receiver on Monday, a day before the start of their three-day mandatory minicamp.
The Jets save $7.25 million in salary cap space, and Decker is free to sign with any team he chooses.
"I want to thank Eric Decker for his contributions to the New York Jets over the past three seasons," Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "While with us, he was a competitive, productive, and dependable receiver who represented the team well both on and off the field. On behalf of the organization, I wish him the best as he continues his career."
Six days ago, general manager Mike Maccagnan confirmed Decker's departure was imminent. During a sit-down meeting with a small group of reporters, Maccagnan said he planned to cut the 30-year-old veteran if a trade could not be worked out.
"You never know how this is going to unfold," Maccagnan said last Tuesday. "Sometimes trades happen after word gets out."
But those trade talks eventually fell through.
According to ESPN, the Jets were willing to "eat" some of Decker's salary, but not enough to facilitate a deal.
On the same day Maccagnan voiced his plan to move on from Decker, the organization released veteran linebacker David Harris. That leaves only four players on the roster over age 30: quarterback Josh McCown, running back Matt Forte, defensive lineman Steve McLendon and long snapper Tanner Purdum. With Decker gone, the Jets' receiving corps is comprised of mostly youngsters, including Quincy Enunwa, Robby Anderson, Charone Peake, Jalin Marshall and draft-picks ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen.
The Baltimore Ravens, who on Monday signed free agent Jeremy Maclin, are reportedly interested in adding Decker as well.
The former Bronco inked a five-year, $36.25 million contract with the Jets in 2014 and had 1,989 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 154 receptions during his first two seasons with the Jets. His 10 red-zone touchdowns in 2015 set a Jets single-season record.
Decker's 2016 season, however, was cut short after only three games because of a torn rotator cuff. After being placed on injured reserve, he underwent surgery to repair his shoulder and a labral tear and lesion in his left hip, sources told Newsday last season.
Last week, Decker said his goodbyes, tweeting: "Thank you @nyjets for the opportunity the last 3 years! I truly made some great memories and friendships that will last forever!"
A third-round pick of the Broncos in 2010, he has amassed 385 receptions, 5,253 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns in his career.
