Somebody needs to start a Chicago Bears Jeremy Maclin campaign. The Kansas City Chiefs just caused one of the bigger surprises of the offseason thus far by releasing the former Pro Bowl wide receiver. Most of it having to do with money of course. The cap-strapped Chiefs gain an addition $10 million in space with the move. At the same time their somewhat questionable depth at the position does bring it into question.
We have released wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
➡️ https://t.co/xVXKqOhP3g pic.twitter.com/Gulky5JiAF
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 2, 2017
Now of course the questions will mount. Where does Maclin sign? No doubt he’ll be in high demand given his recent history of success. Granted 2016 was forgettable. He missed four games with a groin injury and managed just 536 yards and two touchdowns. However before that he had back-to-back years with over 1,000 yards. When his body is right, he can slice defenses up. A good route runner with reliable hands and after-the-catch ability.
A Chicago Bears Jeremy Maclin connection can’t hurt
The Bears have been highly active on the free agent market when it comes to receivers since they let Alshon Jeffery walk. Markus Wheaton and Kendall Wright were early additions in March. A week ago former Giants playmaker Victor Cruz was added. It’s clear GM Ryan Pace is opening things up to a competition. The best six players stick on the roster. There’s no reason to think Maclin couldn’t do well in that environment. Despite the injuries, he showed last year he could still take over games.
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Remember that Maclin just turned 29-years old. He’s far from over the hill and all indications are the groin is healthy. Whether he’s a castoff or not doesn’t matter. The Bears are very short on proven commodities. Adding him would land them the second former Pro Bowler in the space of a week. Sure both come with health concerns, but beggars can’t be choosers.
Kevin White has played four games in two years. Cameron Meredith has lots of promise after a strong 2016 but isn’t a stud yet. In truth Jeffery was their only proven target. Not re-signing him, while not entirely their fault has made life tough for new starting quarterback Mike Glennon. Adding another veteran with a proven track record just makes good business sense. They aren’t hurting for cash either.
Last word was they sit at well over $26 million in open cap space. That should enable Pace to make a more than competitive offer. The fact that Chicago is a relatively short flight from Kansas City also works in their favor.
