Earlier today, Jeremy Maclin and the Eagles came to terms on a one-year deal that will keep the wide receiver with the team in 2014. In the negotiations, Maclin reportedly turned down a five-year contract in favor of the short-term, prove-it deal, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Enquirer (via Twitter).
Maclin is thought to have preferred the shorter contract that would allow him to show that he has recovered from an ACL tear that sidelined him for all of 2013, writes Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com.
“There was a multiyear deal out there,” Maclin said. “It just wasn’t what I particularly wanted or my side particularly wanted. But we knew that we wanted to be here so I think this was the way to get it done, for me to come back here and play football.”
While the deal makes sense in that a long-term contract at a higher price could be available after a productive season, it stands to reason that Maclin could have entertained long-term deals on the free market this offseason, possibly at a higher price than the Eagles were willing to pay. Many teams were thought to be interested in the 25-year-old receiver, including the Broncos and Jets.
Maclin does not think the deal will truly turn into a one-year stint with the team. Likely he believes that a long-term contract could come during the 2014 season, a deal that would keep him with the Eagles for a long time.
“I’m excited to get a chance to play in Chip’s offense,” Maclin said. “I’m excited to be able to help this team get to the next level. I think this is a place where I can showcase my skills and I’m comfortable around all my teammates, guys who have been here. I think this was just the right spot for me.”