Former Missouri Tiger wide receiver Jeremy Maclin signed a five year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles late Monday night, ending his two day hold out. Maclin is expected in camp on Tuesday. Maclin signed for $15.5 million, $9.5 million of that guaranteed.
Maclin was selected 19th overall by Philadelphia in the first round of the NFL draft in April after Maclin left Missouri after a sophomore year in which he caught 102 passes for 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns. I was always surprised the Eagles traded up to take Maclin given their depth at the wide receiver position. However, Maclin will not only give Donovan McNabb another target, but a true return man for punts and kickoffs.
If you look at what Devon Hester meant to the Chicago Bears as a return, the Eagles could be banking on the same sort of return on investment from Maclin. Not only is Maclin fast, but I also believe he is a better receiver than Hester. The only question, or knock against Maclin is that he is soft or injury prone.
For more on Maclin, click here .