LeSean McCoy is not interested in a hometown discount. The Philadelphia Eagles running back is a high salary cap hit in 2015 and is well aware that his future is in doubt because of it. The Eagles have to make some key decisions this offseason in regards to contracts for players and ideally would like to not retain McCoy's contract at its current numbers. McCoy confirmed that he plans on sitting down with the Eagles and negotiate his future, but he will not be taking a pay cut.
According to Jeff McLane of Philly.com, McCoy is willing to restructure his current contract in order to help Philadelphia, but he is not going to take a pay cut in those talks.
"I know how hard it is to keep a team together and I want to be part of this team. But I don't want to take less money," McCoy said. "I want to figure a way to make it happen [where] we're all together. We're going to work it out and see what happens. I've got to pay my boy Mac."
McCoy is referring to the contract wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is waiting to earn. The running back is slated to be a $12 million hit next season with just $1 million in guaranteed money. That makes him an easy release if that is what it comes down to. A contract for Maclin is a priority. The wide receiver led the team last season and will be a big weapon for years to come. The Eagles certainly cannot risk letting him walk away considering a number of other teams will want him.
There could be a trade market for McCoy if the Eagles seek something in return. The running back had 1,319 yards last season and his contract is a relatively easy pickup. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders all need running back help and could look to McCoy as the best option. The Eagles have depth on the roster that make the trade an easy move. Darren Sproles was a star last season while the draft has younger options for the Eagles.
In the end, the best move for Philadelphia is to get McCoy to restructure his contract. If McCoy hits the open market, he will not get the same salary he has now with Philadelphia and would be wise to take the deal. Maclin is a priority over the running back and if the two contracts conflict, McCoy will be the one out.
