After losing the 2013 season to a torn ACL, Jeremy Maclin signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Eagles back in February, and so far in 2014, he’s proving it. With DeSean Jackson no longer in the picture, Maclin is Philadelphia’s leading receiver through three games, ranking first on the team in receptions (16), receiving yards (296), and touchdowns (three).
With Maclin seemingly back to his old self and thriving in Chip Kelly’s offense, the veteran wideout could be hearing from the Eagles’ front office soon, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The club hasn’t completed an in-season extension for one of its players since 2009, but in the case of Maclin, there’s clearly mutual interest in getting a longer-term contract done. Maclin indicated in the offseason that he hoped to secure an extension from the team by midseason, and this week, he indicated that he’s still keen on working something out.
“I’m not pressing it. That time will come when it comes,” Maclin said. “But, yeah, this is where I want to be. I’ve always said that.”
Maclin reportedly passed on a five-year offer from the Eagles in the offseason, and so far that’s looking like the right call. We don’t know exactly what sort of salary the team proposed on that five-year deal, but I’d guess it was roughly in the same range as the five-year, $22.5MM pact signed by teammate Riley Cooper. As long as Maclin continues to produce and stays healthy, he could have a chance to match or exceed the larger five-year contracts signed by free agent wideouts this past year — Eric Decker‘s $36.25MM pact and Golden Tate‘s $31MM deal would likely be targets for Maclin and his agent.
For now, it doesn’t appear that the two sides are engaged in negotiations, but it’s a situation worth keeping an eye on this season as Maclin nears potential free agency once again.