NFL rumors: Jeremy Maclin could be released by Baltimore Ravens

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin might be one-and-done with the Baltimore Ravens as the team needs to create cap space.

It was only several months ago that news of Jeremy Maclin’s release surprised Chiefs Kingdom. The veteran wide receiver was not only close with head coach Andy Reid, but was the most accomplished wide receiver on the roster by far. He was also a recent free agent prize signed to a five-year deal by John Dorsey only two years prior.

For the second time in less than a year, Maclin might be on the receiving end of such news again, this time with the Baltimore Ravens. Jamison Hensley, the Ravens beat writer for ESPN, says Maclin is a “prime candidate” to be released over the next several weeks before the new league year begins in early March. The reason, as usual, is cap space.

More from Arrowhead Addict

• Former Chiefs cornerback in legal trouble in Las Vegas
• Chiefs Kingdom: Get ready to break contract news
• Chiefs news: Travis Kelce wants to host fan ‘chug-off’ in Germany
• Podcast: Breaking down the Chiefs biggest roster battles
• KC Chiefs send Dave Merritt to NFL coaching accelerator

Maclin signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Ravens after hitting free agency unexpectedly last summer after the Chiefs released him. Immediately the Buffalo Bills and Ravens came calling, hoping to add an accomplished veteran to the offensive mix so late in the offseason. Such nice surprises are always welcome on the free agent market, and the Ravens ended up winning the Maclin lottery, so to speak.

Unfortunately, injuries took their tool on Maclin’s ability to move the chains and he responded with a below average performance on the season. Maclin caught only 40 passes for 440 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns from Joe Flacco, and his catch rate of 55.6 percent set a new career low. Once again, he was limited by injuries to only 12 starts and even some of those starts were marred by nagging injuries.

Next: Which Chiefs are playing their last game(s) in KC?

If Maclin hits free agency once again, he’s likely going to have to take a low-range, one-year deal to prove he can stay healthy for a full season. He will be 30-years-old in May coming off of two middling injury-plagued seasons in which he struggled to prove himself reliable. That said, he’s also always been a strong leader on and off the field who is intelligent and well-rounded. He is also a capable blocker who runs good routes. All of this should make him a nice veteran addition for some team in need of wide receiver help.