Jeremy Maclin released: Should the Eagles sign him back to Philadelphia?

Now that the Kansas City Chiefs have officially released Jeremy Maclin, the age old question must be asked: should the Eagles bring him back to Philadelphia?

Let’s take a look at both sides of the argument and then try to come to a conclusion.

Why the Eagles should bring Maclin back

• Maclin had a down year in 2016, yes, but he’s been a good player for most of his career. In seven seasons played, Maclin has recorded 474 receptions for 6,395 receiving yards and 46 touchdowns. He had 87 receptions for 1,088 yards and eight scores as recently as 2015.
• The Eagles could use some more help at wide receiver. Alshon Jeffery is locked in as the team’s No. 1. It seems like Torrey Smith projects to be the team’s No. 2 guy, but Smith was only given $500,000 in guaranteed money. The Eagles could easily move on if they wanted to. I don’t think that’s the case right now, but it could be if they signed Maclin. Smith really struggled with the 49ers and it’s not hard to argue Maclin is the better player.
• You can never get too many weapons for Carson Wentz.
• Doug Pederson has familiarity with Maclin from their time together not only in Philadelphia but the 2015 season in Kansas City as well. The receiver is an obvious and proven fit in the Eagles’ offense.
• Maclin is a fan favorite. I’m not saying the Eagles’ front office should base signings solely based on how the fans feel, but c’mon. It would be cool to see a good dude like Maclin come back to the team he began his career with.
• Return of the Mack references.

Why the Eagles should NOT bring Maclin back

• Maclin turned 29 this offseason. That’s not super old by any means, but it’s not the Eagles would be signing him as a long-term piece.
• Maclin dealt with a groin injury throughout the 2016 season. It limited his production to career lows. Maclin also has an injury history with the ACL tears.
• Maclin might not come cheap. He’s a good player and there are teams out there desperate for wide receiver help. There should be a decent market for Maclin, especially since he won’t count against a team’s compensatory pick formula at this time of year.
• The Eagles should stick with what they’ve got. Jeffery is the No. 1 guy. Smith has looked decent so far so maybe he’ll rebound. Jordan Matthews is the Eagles’ slot guy. The Eagles can’t cut Nelson Agholor, who has also looked good in OTAs, so he’s virtually guaranteed a roster spot. 2017 draft picks Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson are likely locks to make the 53-man. So that’s six receivers right there. The Eagles would have to get ultimately have to force someone out (Smith?) in order to bring Maclin back.

Conclusion

I think the Eagles should have interest in signing Maclin. Of course, it ultimately comes down to price. The Eagles currently have $5.19 million in cap room, according to the NFLPA’s salary cap report, so they should have enough space to fit him in.

But, as I stated earlier, I think Maclin will have a decent market. Believe it or not, there are some teams out there who are actually more desperate for receiver help than Philadelphia is.

So, I don’t expect it to happen. But it would be pretty cool to see Maclin come back.