Don't punish Eric Decker in fantasy drafts for Jets' poor QB outlook
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Here are the fantasy implications following the news that veteran QB Josh McCown has signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets:
The #Jets deal for QB Josh McCown is a 1-year deal worth $6M -- fully guaranteed -- source said. NYJ paying big for his tutelage (and play).
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2017
Even though the 37-year-old McCown is projected to be the starting QB for the Jets, fantasy value can still be had from the team in the form of WR Eric Decker. Here is a look at how the primary receiver has fared in McCown-led offenses over the past four seasons:
| Year | Games | Team | Receiver | FPPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 | CHI | Alshon Jeffery | 15.2 |
| 2014 | 10 | TB | Mike Evans | 11.5 |
| 2015 | 7 | CLE | Gary Barnidge | 13.8 |
| 2016 | 4 | CLE | Terrelle Pryor Sr. | 9.1 |
Note: only games where McCown attempted at least 25 passes were included; FPPG= Fantasy Points Per Game in standard scoring.
As you can see, McCown's top target can still post adequate fantasy production. With the Jets projected to be trailing in the majority of their games, Decker could put up some outstanding garbage time numbers. He will surely be overlooked in drafts because of who his QB is, but he should still be able to put up 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
(Photos courtesy Getty Images)
Jets' QB situation looking ugly
If fantasy points were given for being a good mentor for young quarterbacks, then McCown would be a first-round pick. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.
Coming in with a fully guaranteed contract would indicate that McCown is the front runner in what appears will be a three-way battle for the starting gig come training camp. Third-year pro Bryce Petty and second-year pro Christian Hackenberg will provide competition for the aging signal caller.
Petty was a fourth-round pick back in 2015. He appeared in six games last season and completed 56.4 percent of his passes for three touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 60.0 passer rating. Given the marginal investment in Petty, he is a long shot to win the starting job.
The Jets used a second-round pick on Hackenberg in 2016, so there is incentive to start him this coming year. Signing McCown indicates the Jets aren't exactly thrilled about the 2017 QB draft class. The club would be smart to see what they have in Hackenberg, as they will likely be drafting high again in 2018.
Overall, it's best to avoid the Jets' entire QB situation in MFL10s, given that it is unlikely McCown plays a full 16 games. If McCown is eventually named the starter, he can provide some decent late-round value in 2QB leagues, but that's about it. If Hackenberg or Petty are named the starter, both should be avoided in all formats.