The clock is ticking for the Philadelphia Eagles to make a call on Jeremy Maclin. The team has the option to use their franchise tag on their leading wide receiver, but obviously that would not be too pleasing to him. With salary cap constraints on the mind, the Eagles are finding other ways to cut costs and are turning to LeSean McCoy for help. As the running back maintains one of the highest contracts for his position, will his response to a restructured contract determine his future?
The Eagles will likely place the franchise tag on Maclin regardless. According to Philly.com, the franchise is very confident a contract with Maclin gets finalized, but that might not happen until later down the road. In order to avoid letting the free agent test the market, they must put a hold on Maclin by using the tag. That does not mean a long-term deal is not the end result by the time OTAs and training camp roll around. Maclin remains hopeful that things get done as both sides continue negotiations.
"I've always said I want to be here in Philadelphia, but I've also always said I understand it's a business," Maclin said, via the Philadelphia Daily News. "Both sides have made it known that we both want each other back, so the rest of it is in God's hands. If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen. I want to be here."
In order to make a deal for Maclin happen, restructuring the contract of McCoy could be a priority. The running back has said that he would be willing to talk about his contract with Philadelphia in order to ensure that Maclin gets paid, but he also is not keen on taking less money. According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles have not approached their running back about a new contract despite all of the speculation.
McCoy has been the subject of trade rumors thanks to his high cap hit. The Eagles are interested in grabbing Marcus Mariota in the NFL Draft and could try to package the running back with Nick Foles in order to move in the order. Head coach Chip Kelly will not confirm nor deny his interest in his former quarterback, but simply said the team is reviewing all options.
One thing that makes sense for the Eagles in the short-term is retaining Maclin. The wide receiver returned after missing an entire season with an ACL tear and led all receivers in 2015. He will be a stable threat for whoever is playing quarterback next year.
