Keep an eye on Jeremy Maclin to the Eagles after his reported release

The Baltimore Ravens are releasing Jeremy Maclin, according to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter. Maclin had $7.5 million cap number in 2018 and only $2.5 million was guaranteed, so the Ravens saved $5 million.

Now that Maclin is back on the market, the question is: should the Eagles bring their 2009 first-round pick back to Philadelphia?

I wouldn’t rule it out.

When Maclin was a free agent last offseason, his decision reportedly came down to the Eagles and Ravens. Here’s what Pro Football Talk reported at the time:

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Eagles indeed attempted to reunite with Maclin, who played for the team from 2009 through 2014. The Eagles have very high regard for Maclin, and they wanted to make an effort to secure his services.

In addition to the Eagles holding Maclin in high regard, it seems like he still has love for Philly as well. Along with LeSean McCoy, the 29-year-old receiver attended the Eagles’ divisional round playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons in January.

The Eagles have a hole at wide receiver after trading Torrey Smith to the Panthers. It’s very possible Mack Hollins steps up into that spot, but I doubt the Eagles will just hand him that job without any competition.

Maclin has been on the decline in recent seasons. After hitting 1,318 yards in 2014 and 1,088 yards in 2015, he dropped to 536 yards in 2016 and 440 yards in 2017. His 11.0 yards per reception last season was a career low by far.

This means Maclin should be available for a low cost. If that’s the case, it could make sense for the Eagles to bring him back. They wouldn’t be relying on him as a main target as much as he’d be a complementary piece in the offense. He could potentially split playing time with Hollins as the Eagles ease the second-year player into a bigger role.

Maclin was a good player for the Eagles so a reunion would be nice to see. I think it makes some sense for both sides. Especially if Maclin wants to chase a Super Bowl ring.

UPDATE: John Clark reports Maclin has interest in coming back.