NEW YORK — New York Giants running back Eric Decker signed a one-year contract with the New York Patriots, a source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Decker was a key part of the Giants’ rushing attack last season, leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns (four), rushing yards (4,837) and receiving yards (824).
Decker was drafted in the fifth round by the Giants.
Decker is the first Jets running back signed this offseason.
The 26-year-old Decker has five seasons of NFL experience and will be a key piece of New England’s offensive line moving forward.
Decker also will have plenty of reps on special teams, a position he has excelled in in his career.
New England drafted tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft and signed him to a five-year, $46.5 million deal in March.
Decker will become the team’s longest-tenured running back, which will give the Patriots more flexibility when dealing with injuries to their backfield this season.
Decker’s signing makes him one of the league’s most expensive running backs, and he’ll also be the only one who will be playing at the same position as veteran Chris Ivory, who has started in every game for New England this season and was named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2017.