I don't know how my post about Decker ended up in the game thread, I intended to post it here.
"Look, if it’s not [Decker returning], then we’ve got to find a guy,” Campbell said. “But if it is, we’re still going to find a guy. Because as much as I love ‘Deck,’ he’s got some things that are going to need some management. That’s kind of where we’re at. One way or another, we’re going to need somebody that can play over there and that can help us if we need them in a crunch or we need them as a starter. That’s important.”
Campbell said about Decker that they would have to "manage him" essentially. That kind of talk from Campbell doesn't instill confidence in Decker playing a full season's worth of games. It makes me feel like there will be a lot of load and game management involved. Games where Decker doesn't start or play at all. That to me says they need to draft his replacement and get someone who can even come in year one and start some games. Given the money they are paying Decker, his age, and declining stability as a player, why not just cut him and spend the money on a veteran who might be able to give you more stability and playing time at the position? Maybe they just don't feel there is a guy out there that can match Decker's play and be healthier at the same time. This kind of statement also says to me that they are going to need to draft a Tackle early in the upcoming draft. This is not going to be a Manu in the 5th round type of pick, this is taking a Tackle in the 1st or 2nd.