Report: Jeremy Maclin Spurns Eagles, Browns to Sign in KC
According to reports Jeremy Maclin was being pursued hard by the Cleveland Browns today. The thought was that Maclin would likely return to the Eagles but was open to possibly moving on. Out of nowhere comes a report from Chris Mortensen that Maclin will actually leave both the Eagles and the Browns at the alter and go to the Kansas City Chiefs and his former coach Andy Reid:
The Eagles' wild ride will continue: Jeremy Maclin plans to reunite with Andy Reid in Kansas City once free agent market opens Tuesday.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 9, 2015
A shocking development, only because Maclin had not been rumored to be connected to the Chiefs this off-season. Chiefs fans likely thought there was a chance he reunited with his old coach but no murmurs in the first 24 hours of NFL Free Agency Legal Tampering.
For the Eagles, they lose their second straight #1 wide receiver in the last two years. They cut DeSean Jackson last year, reportedly due to some off the field issues, and are now losing Maclin after his breakout year under Chip Kelly.
For the Browns it is a small blow but Maclin was not expected to come to Cleveland at the outset of free agency. There are some questions whether Maclin’s production last year was solely due to Chip Kelly’s offense after his first few seasons seemed to predict a good #2 level receiver. He also isn’t the biggest guy, only standing 6 feet tall, which isn’t prototypical of #1 receivers.
The Browns are back to what we thought was the likely scenario. They are likely to continue to pursue Cecil Shorts and Brian Hartline while looking to the NFL Draft for a #1 type receiver. The Browns were for sure in on Maclin, one of three final teams according to one report:
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As for Maclin, it is an interesting decision to go to KC. The Chiefs’ quarterback, Alex Smith, is not very good on deep throws and likes to check the ball down. He likely got overpaid but is going to get underutilized by the Chiefs. A good signing for them, as he will at least help keep safeties honest, freeing up space for Jamaal Charles and the rest of the receivers underneath.
Pay attention to the contract that Maclin gets, it could be a good sign of what other receivers want or might get.
How do you feel about the Browns “missing out” on Jeremy Maclin?