Jeremy Maclin is now once again available on the open market after being released by the Baltimore Ravens after a single season with the team.
This time last year, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was comfortably sitting atop the depth chart for the Kansas City Chiefs, a clear team leader and performer who was a voice of leadership in the locker room and on the field. Now he’s a free agent for the second time in less than a calendar year.
Adam Schefter, NFL analyst for ESPN, reports that the Baltimore Ravens have decided to release Maclin just one year into his contract, allowing the veteran to now try to find a third team in three seasons. Given his history, Maclin should have no problem finding a new home although expectations and salaries will be far less than previous years.
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Last summer, then general manager John Dorsey surprised Chiefs Kingdom (and even Maclin himself) with the announced cut and Maclin became a hot commodity on the open market, joining Eric Decker as veteran wideouts suddenly available during the dog days of summer. The Ravens won the rights to Maclin after he took visits with interested teams, which also included the Buffalo Bills.
Unfortunately Maclin’s numbers last season took a serious hit compared to previous years with only 40 catches for 440 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns—giving him an average of 11 yards/catch. Every single figure is a career low for Maclin who at age 30 (in May) will set out to rehabilitate his image as a productive receiver in 2018.
For those in the know, Maclin was likely more of a product of the Ravens’ anemic offense than anything. While he’s clearly not going to be the same player at 30 that he was at 23, he still is an excellent receiver with good hands and excellent route running. His experience and intelligence will make him productive for the next season and beyond.