Doug Pederson says Eagles not interested in signing Jeremy Maclin

Earlier this week, one NFL insider reported the Philadelphia Eagles have interest in signing veteran free agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Head coach Doug Pederson downplayed that notion during his press conference prior to practice on Thursday.

Reporter: Do you have any interest in signing Jeremy Maclin?

Pederson: At this time, no.

Pederson was later asked why the Eagles don’t have interest in Maclin. His answer:

Love the guys that we have. Listen, we’re always constantly looking and obviously trying to better our roster at every position. But at this time, I’m very pleased with what we’re working with and what we have. We have some young talent with this group playing extremely well. Going forward, next week [at mandatory minicamp] and on to [training] camp, that’s what I’m trying to see, is where our young guys are and how well they can handle sort of the workload with what we’re trying to do offensively and our passing game.

So there you have it.

Pederson likes what the Eagles currently have at receiver. Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith are currently projected to be the outside starters this season (both running with the first team in OTAs) with Jordan Matthews working in the slot. Former first round pick Nelson Agholor has been surprisingly competent this spring. Rookies Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson will also have a strong chance to make the 2017 roster, which doesn’t leave any room for Maclin.

Adding Maclin would have been nice, but as I explained all along, I didn’t think it was necessarily realistic.

The 29-year-old Maclin left his free agent visit with the Bills yesterday. He’s now meeting with the Baltimore Ravens and could end up signing with them.

Check out Doug Pederson’s entire press conference via the Bleeding Green Nation Facebook page. (Click here or watch below.)