Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin wants to remain in the only city he’s called home during a six-year career, and the team appears to want him to stay.
The only thing standing between this happening is Maclin and the Eagles coming to terms on a new contract before the start of free agency on March 10th. If a deal is not struck, and the Eagles want to retain him next year, they they will have to either place the franchise tag on him by Monday or vie with 31 others teams for his services on the free agent market.
Maclin had this to say about his desire to stay with the team after making a public appearance on Saturday (via Philly.com).
I’ve always said I want to be here in Philadelphia, but I’ve also always said I understand it’s a business. Both sides have made it known that we both want each other back, so the rest of it is in God’s hands. If it’s supposed to happen, it’ll happen. I want to be here.
Maclin signed a one-year, prove it deal last offseason after suffering a torn ACL in 2013. Well worth the investment, Maclin finished last season as the Eagles top receiver with 85 catches for 1,318 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Speculation has surfaced that Maclin might draw interest from the Kansas City Chiefs where his former coach Andy Reid now resides. The Chiefs currently have a major deficit when it comes to the position, and someone of Maclin’s caliber could do wonders for their offense—possibly driving up Maclin’s asking price.
When addressed about rumors regarding the Chiefs, Maclin tactfully answered the question.
You don’t really know what’s out there until free agency starts. I know on paper what teams look like they need receivers. I also understand, this is the place I want to be. We’ll see what happens.
If the two parties cannot agree to terms and the Eagles do franchise tag Maclin, the cost to keep his services would be about $12.8 million. This amount would then occupy slightly over half of the Eagles available $24.8 million salary cap for 2015.
As the clock counts down, the Eagles will likely do what it takes to keep their No. 1 guy around for the 2015 season.
Photo: USA Today