Jeremy Maclin and Chiefs coach Andy Reid could be officially reunited in a matter of days.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Maclin plans to head to Kansas City on Tuesday to sign with the Chiefs, according to a source informed of his thinking. His attention turned squarely to the Chiefs when talks with the Eagles broke down. ESPN first reported Maclin plans to sign with the Chiefs when free agency opens Tuesday.
If Maclin's deal in Kansas City is finalized, he will provide a vertical threat for a team that doesn't go deep often. Perhaps Alex Smith will try to go down the field more with Maclin around, but it doesn't suit Smith's short-tossing skill set. This much we know: Maclin should get plenty of targets. He will be the "Z" receiver in Kansas City, and that's the position that makes Reid's offense go. And he doesn't have much talent around him.
The Chiefs are expected to release Dwayne Bowe in part to clear room for Maclin. They have said goodbye to wide receivers Donnie Avery and A.J. Jenkins in recent weeks. Junior Hemingway was second on the team last season among wideouts in snaps. Albert Wilson was second in yards. (We think he has a chance to be a keeper.) Maclin gives the group a veteran to build around, with the Chiefs likely to invest more resources at the position in free agency and the draft. With Jamaal Charles and Travis Kelce in place, the Chiefs are not lacking weapons.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews and not much else left at wideout. It's almost as if Chip Kelly wants to prove to everyone he doesn't need any of Reid's old players.
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