Maclin, Cooper Set To Hit the Market

Jeremy Maclin‘s rehab is coming along well, he says. He is running now. The next step is being able to move side-to-side. He believes he’ll be able to participate in OTAs this spring. The question is: for what team?

Maclin is set to become a free agent. He has had preliminary discussions with the Eagles about his situation, but it’s no guarantee that he is back.

The 25-year-old was in line for a pretty nice pay day before tearing the ACL in his right knee during practice back in June. He planned on boosting his value by putting up big numbers in 2013 under Chip Kelly. Instead he has to build his value back up, and conceded that he might have to take a one-year prove-it deal depending on how the market shapes up.

“I’m a realist so I understand that’s a possibility,” he said. “Me and my agent, me and my team will kind of get together and talk about what’s best for me and what’s best for the whole situation and just go from there.”

Maclin was asked if he would consider giving the Eagles a home-team discount.

“Money isn’t everything,” he said. “I just have to see what’s best for me, look at the numbers, look at the personnel and I think we’ll make our decision based on that.”

The five-year vet said it was difficult watching from the sidelines, and he did think about what could have been for him in this system had the injury not occurred. But he also enjoyed seeing his teammates have success.

His injury opened the door for Riley Cooper, who finished with 47 catches for 835 yards and eight touchdowns. Cooper is also poised to become a free agent. He has stated on multiple occasions that he wants to remain in Philadelphia.

“You definitely [have to do what is best for you financially] but that’s where I’m hoping the Eagles come into play and I’m here,” said Cooper. “But it’s a first for me. I’ve never been in free agency so I don’t even know what to expect, what it’s like.

“This could be the last time [I’m standing in this locker room], but that’s the nature of the business.”

Cooper’s situation is unique given the incident this offseason. It’s hard to know just how in-demand he will be, or whether he’ll be accepted in another locker room. Asked what kind of market he anticipates, Cooper simply responded: “I have no idea.”