Maclin took a one-year, prove-it contract from Philadelphia and did exactly that. Maclin thrived in Chip Kelly’s system and lead the team in receiving yards with 1,318 and 10 touchdowns.
There appears to be mutual interest between Maclin and the Eagles, but there was a hiccup in contract talks once Maclin switched agents at the end of the season.
He’s also a candidate for the franchise tag, should talks get tricky.
*Just missed the cut: Michael Crabtree, Hakeem Nicks, Cecil Shorts
Crabtree fell victim to a disappointing offense in 2014, one in which Colin Kaepernick regressed as a passer. Crabtree had 698 yards and four touchdowns, and never seemed to look as fast or explosive.
San Francisco is highly unlikely to retain him, which means Crabtree may have to settle for a one-year, prove-it sort of deal like Maclin and Nicks.
Speaking of Nicks, the wideout had yet another down year in Indianapolis and a handful with the Giants. He’s a candidate to get re-signed for a second prove-it deal. At 27, it’s hard to completely throw in the towel on someone loaded with talent. But injuries derailed his production, and he’s never looked the same.
Shorts is a player that often flies under the radar, but posted solid numbers as the top target in Jacksonville the past few years. Considering he’s had a revolving door under center, he totaled 1,756 yards in 2012 and 2013 with 10 touchdowns before battling injuries this past year.
With young receivers like Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee, Shorts is expected to leave the Jags. He’s a bounce-back candidate for sure.
