Jeremy Maclin's future in the NFL was in some doubt as recently as last year. Maclin missed the entire 2013-2014 campaign with a torn ACL, but was still expected to lead Philly's wide receiver corps after the team parted ways with DeSean Jackson last offseason. When push came to shove, Maclin stepped up in a big way.
The sixth-year pass catcher set career highs in catches (85), yards (1,318), yards per reception (15.5) and touchdowns (10). What's more is that he did it in a contract year as he's set to hit the open market when free agency begins. Obviously, the Eagles want to do everything they can to lock up their No. 1 receiver. Head coach Chip Kelly has said that re-signing Maclin is a priority for the team this offseason.
"I'm in charge of the roster in terms of who our 53 are, so I have to weigh in on that," Kelly said regarding the type of contract Maclin might get. "But I also know there are other factors, salary cap, money, and the numbers and all those other things. But I have to tell them who I want and who I don't want."
One option for the Eagles is to use the franchise tag on Maclin, though that would cost the team roughly $12 million in salary cap space.
ESPN's Mike Sando believes Maclin's value to this offense will ultimately get him re-signed.
"He's scheduled to become a free agent in March, but the Eagles will presumably re-sign him," Sando wrote. "He's proven he can be a top-level deep threat in this offense and is a good fit for Kelly's program."
Maclin will likely be looking for a deal in the vicinity of the one the New York jets gave to Eric Decker. Decker signed a five-year contract worth over $36 million with $15 million in guarantees.
