Eric Decker: Announces retirement

Decker has announced his retirement as an NFL player, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Decker signed with the Patriots earlier this month and despite an opportunity created by a thinning out of the team's wideout depth, the 31-year-old couldn't carve out a clear role with New England. Now that he's out of the mix, the Patriots could elect to sign another veteran receiver, or alternatively a roster spot could be there for the taking for one of the team's younger options.