The Patriots have signed veteran wide receiver Eric Decker to a one year deal. Decker worked out for the team on Tuesday and the team signed him on Thursday morning.

With injuries to Jordan Matthews (since released), Malcolm Mitchell and Kenny Britt, the Patriots were thin at receiver. Decker will step in and get an opportunity to make the team.

Decker has played for three other teams in his career. He was drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. After spending the first four seasons of his career in Denver, Decker signed with the New York Jets. He played three seasons in New York before signing with Tennessee last off-season.

Decker’s best season was in 2013 when he caught 87 passes for 1,288 and 11 touchdown receptions. In 2015, he caught 12 touchdown passes with the Jets.

So how does Decker fit into the Patriots offense? It’s hard to tell. He is at his best when he lines up outside as the X receiver. At 6-3 215, he is a big target and is effective at using his size in the red zone. He excels against man coverage on slant routes, fade routes and dig routes. Decker does a great catching the ball with his body but also has strong hands.

I expect Decker to get a long look in 11 and 10 personnel groupings as the third or fourth receiver. The Patriots will give him every opportunity to make the team. If he can pick up the terminology and the route adjustments, he can be a productive player in New England’s scheme.