The Philadelphia Eagles have big decisions regarding several stars and Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper are the first priorities. Both receivers have completed the final years of their current contracts and have expressed interest in re-signing with the team. However, the Eagles are likely not able to keep both players on the roster and Cooper could be the one out.
CSN Philly reports that the Eagles are favoring Maclin and DeSean Jackson as the two outside threats and will let Cooper walk into free agency. Cooper emerged as a real offensive threat this season. He demonstrated great chemistry with quarterback Nick Foles who will be the starter next season. He finished the season with 835 yards and eight touchdowns.
With Cooper likely out, Maclin's chances of getting a contract extension become a lot better. There was plenty of speculation surrounding the wide receiver after he missed the entire season with a torn ACL suffered in the preseason. Maclin has been a reliable player for his entire career in Philadelphia. He averaged 863 yards and six touchdowns per season between 2009 and 2012. However, the injury put his future in question.
"I understand it could be a possibility that [the ACL tear] may scare some teams off, or a team may want to do a one-year deal as opposed to a long-term contract," Maclin said, via CSNPhilly's Derrick Gunn. "That's the game, that's the business."
It is believe that the Eagles believe that having Jackson and Maclin on the outside is a much better option especially with the rise of other receivers like Jason Avant. Cooper is expendable.
The Eagles are also trying to figure out what to do with their tight end position since they currently have $9 million tied into the spot. The Eagles originally planned on going with a two-tight end system with Brent Celek and James Casey. However, rookie Zach Ertz had a strong showing this season. Casey barely touched the field and could get released in the offseason despite being the highlight of the free agent class last year.
The Eagles have some money issues on their hands. Celek is set to make $4 million. Ertz will make $1.2 million. Casey is on the books for just under $4 million. Both Maclin and Cooper want a raise. Not everyone can stay so fans can expect plenty of roster changes this offseason.
