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 .



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