Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson met with the media for the final time during the OTA period today and was naturally asked about the potential of reuniting with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. For those fans hoping for a reunion however, they may have to wait a little longer.
Asked Doug Pederson if the #Eagles have any interest in signing Jeremy Maclin. "At this time, no," he said.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) June 8, 2017
When asked for a reason behind the lack of interest, Pederson was very clear.
“I love the guys that we have.” The Eagles Head Coach told the media. “We’re always constantly looking and obviously trying to better our roster at every position. But at this time, I’m very pleased with what we’re working with and what we have. We have some young talent, with this group playing extremely well. Going forward, next week and onto camp, that’s what I’m trying to see. Where our young guys are and how well they can handle the sort of workload with what we’re trying to do offensively and our passing game.”
The Eagles added both Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith during free agency, before going on to draft Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson, cementing the new direction at wide receiver. If anything, bringing back Maclin could hurt the Eagles in more than one way.
When asked about the potential return of DeSean Jackson earlier this year, Howie Roseman followed a similar sentiment:
“We have to be disciplined. We have to stick to our plan. We have to stick to our process. That has to show up in the draft. I’m sure that everyone can sit here and write about positions of need, we understand that. We’re going to do what’s right when you have young players.”
During his 15 game campaign in 2015, the former Eagles wideout amassed a career-high 87 catches for 1,088 yards and eight scores. Just one year later, his career-low 44 receptions for 536 yards and two touchdowns were accompanied by seven drops.
Of the Eagles were still in need of a number one wide receiver, then the decision to bring back Jeremy Maclin would be an easy one. But with Alshon Jeffery and an abundance of competition at the position, there simply isn’t enough room for another prove-it deal. The Birds’ are getting younger, better, faster, stronger at wide receiver…and with such a versatile and dangerous group of wideouts already nipping at the bud to prove their worth, the Eagles aren’t in a position where they need to add the services of Jeremy Maclin.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
