Jeremy Maclin could be on the verge of receiving a long-term contract offer from the New York Jets once free agency opens on March 11th. (Image via GCobb.com)
If the Eagles hope to re-sign Jeremy Maclin this offseason, they may find themselves in a bidding war for the fifth-year receiver who missed all of last season with a torn ACL.
According to a report in the New York Daily News, the New York Jets are prepared to make a run at signing Maclin when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on March 11th.
Previously, Maclin admitted that he would be open to taking a one-year contract to return to the Eagles. However, any player on the free agent market would certainly prefer to capitalize on a long-term contract that offers both financial and job security.
If the Jets are serious about adding Maclin to a passing game that could certainly use a boost around quarterback Geno Smith, the Missouri product may have the opportunity to do just that.
What to do with Maclin is just one of several significant questions that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman must face, at the receiver position alone this offseason. In addition Maclin's impending free agency, Riley Cooper is due to be an unrestricted free agent as well.
There was plenty of excitement and anticipation prior to training camp last summer about what Maclin would be able to accomplish under Chip Kelly in the head coach's first year at the helm. However, even in Maclin's absence the Eagles finished second behind the Denver Broncos in total offense.
Regardless of Maclin's fate in Philadelphia, the Eagles appear to be looking to bolster the receiver position either in free agency or in May's NFL draft.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr held a conference call with the media on Thursday and in his second mock draft, linked Odell Beckham Jr of LSU to the Eagles in the first-round.
"He could show off elite straight-line speed at the combine," Kiper explained. "But he’s particularly explosive out of breaks, creating separation and making him dangerous with the ball in his hands. His speed also translates to the return game. Beckham could be a good fit in Philly not just because he’s a good receiver for a team that could use help in that department, but because he’s versatile, and can work in the slot or on the edge."
In addition to Beckham, this draft class includes the likes of Penn State's Allen Robinson, Mike Evans of Texas A&M and Florida State's Kelvin Benjamin, if the Eagles choose that route to add a wideout.
Given the Eagles $17 million in cap space heading into the offseason, it seems the team is well positioned to handle the receiving corps, and every other position however it seems best fit under Kelly.
Only time will tell if Roseman and company intend to get into a bidding war for Maclin's services. But it appears at least early on that one could be in the making.
