The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to dismissing high-profile wide receivers. As we learned with DeSean Jackson, head coach Chip Kelly values the system over any one individual player. But this offseason, the Eagles would be wise to do what it takes to retain pending free agent Jeremy Maclin.
Maclin is coming off the best season of his career in which he caught 85 balls for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns. Although Philly missed out on the playoffs, they did finish 10-6 and ranked fifth in yards per game (396.8) and third in points (29.6). Amid inconsistent quarterback play and a banged up offensive line, Maclin was the one positive constant.
"Retaining wide receiver Jeremy Maclin should be a priority on the offseason to-do list," Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com wrote. "If Maclin walks away in free agency it would leave the Eagles with a void at the top receiver position. Coming to an agreement with Maclin may be difficult. He has over-inflated 2014 numbers due to the high use he had early in the season that may boost his value around the NFL. This may be a similar situation to the ones with LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson, where a contract is worked out that hits a higher annual value but in reality is a two year contract."
However the Eagles approach Maclin's contract situation, they need to get a deal done. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who drafted Maclin back in 2009, is in desperate need for a quality receiver. Chiefs wide receivers didn't manage to catch a single touchdown in 2014. Reid would be sure to pounce on Maclin should he reach the open market.
