In a rather surprising move, the Chiefs announced that they’ve released wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
“I’d like to thank Jeremy for his effort and dedication the past two seasons,” general manager John Dorsey said. “I have great respect for all players, which makes decisions like these very difficult, but we felt it was in the best interest of our club moving forward to part ways at this time. We wish Jeremy the best as he continues his career.”
Maclin, 29, posted a down season in 2016, missing four games with a groin injury and registering career-lows in both receptions and receiving yards. Additionally, Kansas City is tight on cap space, with just over $2MM available in funds at the moment. Maclin’s release will help alleviate the Chiefs’ fiscal situation, as the club will clear $10MM in cap room while assuming $2.4MM in dead money.
Even given those factors, the release of Maclin comes as a shock, as the veteran wideout was set to act as the Chiefs’ No. 1 pass-catcher in 2017. Signed to hefty contract just two years ago, Maclin had success during his first campaign with Kansas City in 2016, managing 87 catches for more than 1,000 yards and eight scores.
Without Maclin in the fold, the Chiefs’ wide receiving corps is extremely short on experience. Tyreek Hill was a revelation during his rookie season last year, but he acted as more of a gadget player than as a true No. 1 wide receiver. While Kansas City boasts an excellent tight end in Travis Kelce, the club’s other receivers are Chris Conley, rookie Jehu Chesson, De’Anthony Thomas, Demarcus Robinson, and Kenny Cook.
Maclin now becomes the clear top option among the free agent wide receiver class, as he joins the likes of Anquan Boldin, Steve Johnson, Eddie Royal, and Marquess Wilson on the open market.
Uhh…?
Bold strategy Cotton
please come to the browns, that would end a dream offseason for me.
Was thinking the same thing. And he still falls below the Logan’s Run timeline.
Jesus Christ, your dreams suck man.
Is it necessary to use the Lord’s name in vain?
Really..
Lmao ffjsisk was thinking the same thing
Why do I feel like there is more to this story that has yet to come to the surface. The timing of the release is just extremely odd.
There is more to the story. He had a post June 1 designation 10 mill. Had to wait till today for the cap space.
That’s not true they could have released him in march and designated him as post June 1 cut. Didn’t have to actually wait until today
Steelers New three and would be a demon
I like that. Would rather him be in NOLA, as number 2/3. But I like that a lot for Pitt.
Yeah man come to the Burgh
You’d think if they were going to cut him they would have did it earlier so that they would have had the extra dollars to spend. Extremely odd.
Post June 1 designation of 10 million. So they had to wait till today to get 10 mill of cap space for the move
In the article just posted it says “it’s unclear why Kansas City didn’t release Maclin near the start of the new league year in March. Given that the Chiefs could have designated him as a post-June 1 cut, the financial ramifications would have been the same. Such a move would have allowed Maclin to hit the free agent market much earlier, however.” So they didn’t have to wait until now to cut him. If they aren’t saving money, they should have cut him earlier to give him more time to try to find a new club
I’m not saying he will have trouble finding one, but he will be behind now in terms of learning a playbook and participating in the offseason programs. It just would’ve been a nice professional courtesy
Andy Reid just attended his wedding, he didn’t want to miss out on the invite and subsequent all day wedding buffet.
Ozzie better be on the phone!
I know right! I think he knew this was coming to be honest. It makes too much sense that they were gonna cut Maclin when they only have 2 mill and he’s a 3rd option in pass game. 12 mill not worth it.
Ozzie always has possession receivers. And has one blow the top off because of Flacco’s arm strength. So he would make sense if they need possession WRs
I’m sure he will resign if he can if not back to Philadelphia or maybe Tampa with D. Jackson
Philly? With what $$? They have none available. They also aren’t going to release their two new WR signings (Jeffries or Smith) their best returning WR (Matthews) or the two WR draft picks.
Please come to the bills
Rams, Bills, Browns, Panthers off the top of my head. I’d like to see him in NOLA
Wish he was available before the Eagles signed Smith. Would have been a nice reunion for Eagles fans. Probably be with the Ravens but could help Benjamin shave some pounds in Carolina.
One team people me including is the cardinals I mean this could be a great pairing with Fitzpatrick one last run for him and palmer
I wish the Pats hadn’t traded for Brandin Cooks right now. Maclin may not be on the same level but he would’ve been good enough for sure. And they could’ve kept their first rounder which would’ve been huge.