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Decker Putting Up Big Numbers In A Contract Year

DENVER (CBS4) - After Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker had an unforgettable day last week against the Kansas City Chiefs with four touchdowns, he followed it up with 117 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. But Decker has had forgettable moments and some serious drops this season.

It's a contract season for Decker, so how big of a push should the Broncos make to keep him in the fold?

"Eric Decker is a good receiver, Eric Decker is a guy that you want to have on your team, Eric Decker is a guy the Broncos would like to keep," former Broncos running back Reggie Rivers said on CBS4's Football Preview show. "But they can't get in a bidding war for Eric Decker.

"Eric Decker is having that kind of season where some other team is going to look at him and they're going to see the production. They're not going to see all the drops."

Rivers said other teams will see that production and think Decker could be their No. 1 receiver, and therefore could offer him a lot of money.

"I just don't think the Broncos can get into that kind of war. He's a good second or third receiver for the Broncos, but he's not a great receiver, he doesn't make the great plays," Rivers said. "He doesn't consistently get open in man-to-man coverage. I think those are the problems that would make the Broncos say, 'We want him, but not too much.' "

Broncos Ring of Famer Tom Nalen, a former offensive lineman, said on Football Preview that it's a hard question to answer.

"With Peyton Manning as quarterback I think you can let him go, but looking at the future with Brock Osweiler and Zac Dysert, I think those two quarterbacks would love to have an Eric Decker, as well as Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker," Nalen said. "Can you keep all of these guys realistically? I have no idea. But he's a guy I'd like to see in a Broncos uniform for the rest of his career."

The San Diego Chargers come calling this Thursday night. Kickoff is at 6:25 p.m. on CBS4.

- By Matthew J. Buettner, CBSDenver.com

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