Chiefs rumors: Where will Jeremy Maclin play next?
By Matt Conner
Now that he’s unexpectedly back on the market, where will wide receiver Jeremy Maclin sign to play for 2017 and maybe beyond.
The Kansas City Chiefs have made their move, and now Jeremy Maclin must make his.
Late on Friday, the Chiefs let word slip that the veteran wide receiver, and the team’s best dependable wideout, had been released. In the process, the team recouped $10 million of much needed cap space, which they will use to sign their rookies and then perhaps make another move. At the very least, they have an emergency fund upon which they can depend in case of injuries this season.
This also leaves them very thin at wide receiver, at least in terms of proven talent. There’s definitely reason for optimism on multiple levels with the group they’ve gathered, but the team is young and inexperienced across the board at this point at wideout. Tyreek Hill likely assumes the No. 1 overall role atop the depth chart. They also have Chris Conley as an athletic No. 2 options. Albert Wilson has been around a couple seasons as well as a former undrafted free agent.
In terms of completely unexpected talent, last year’s fourth round pick and this year’s fourth rounder are both waiting in the wings to show what they can do. DeMarcus Robinson has impressed in OTAs, but we’ve seen players look good in shorts before but disappear when the pads come on. Still the former Florida product will be counted on to step up for the Chiefs and provide another target for the short- and long-term. In addition, John Dorsey thought enough of Jehu Chesson to trade up to get him so perhaps we’ll see a glimpse in his rookie campaign.
The majority of targets are going to find Hill, tight end Travis Kelce and the combination of running backs Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware coming out of the backfield. However they’ll need someone to step up.
As for where Maclin goes, he should have his choice of many suitors once the dust settles. Here’s a closer look at where he could go and why it would be a good fit.