Among the various sticking points in the contract negotiations between the Eagles and receiver Jeremy Maclin is the length of the arrangement.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Maclin wants a one-year deal. He hopes to prove in that one year that he has fully recovered from a torn ACL that wiped out what would have been his contract year in Philly.
The Eagles wants a multi-year deal. We’re told that it wouldn’t be, in essence, a one-year “prove it” deal, with a significant option bonus due in 2015. Instead, it would be a legitimate multi-year contract.
The numbers for the two options aren’t yet known. The Eagles can get away with going all in at the receiver position in 2014 because starting quarterback Nick Foles will make a mere $615,000 in 2014 base salary. Having Maclin, DeSean Jackson, and Riley Cooper available could help Foles position himself to earn a much bigger payday in 2015.
If the Eagles can’t work out an agreement with Maclin, he’ll become a free agent on March 11. At that point, he could sign with anyone — including the team now coached by the man who acquired Maclin in 2009 with a first-round draft pick.