The Philadelphia Eagles have inked one of two of their top free agents before the offseason begins. Both Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin are crucial members of the Eagles offense and due new contracts this year. The Eagles intend to sign both before free agency begins in March, but one has been prioritized over the other.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Cooper has inked a five-year contract extension worth $25 million. The Eagles wide receiver had a breakout season as he demonstrated excellent chemistry with starting quarterback Nick Foles. In his first season as a full-time starter, Cooper finished the year with 835 yards and eight touchdowns. In his previous three seasons with the team he had never topped 315 yards. Cooper had expressed numerous times that he hoped to remain in Philadelphia for the long-term despite other free agents possibly taking priority.
"I want to be back. I want to be back. I love the system. I flourish in this system. I feel like blocking. I do all those things and I play the game so hard. I want to be back, for sure," Cooper said, via Bleacher Report.
Cooper's success came at the hands of Maclin. The wide receiver tore his ACL in training camp and was forced to sit out the entire season. Cooper took his place as the starter and made the most of it. Now, Maclin is left wondering if the Eagles can retain him too, something he has expressed desire in happening.
General manager Howie Roseman has said multiple times that the team has always intended on bringing back both Cooper and Maclin and was confident that he could make it work.
"We're going to try to keep our best players and the guys that we feel are part of our culture and that fit well into the chemistry of our football team on and off the field," Roseman said, via ESPN.com. "It's an important message for us this offseason. We know these players. We've lived with them."
If Maclin re-signs with the Eagles, it likely will only be a one-year deal considering he is coming off a serious injury. History certainly speaks in his favor. In 59 games, Maclin has put up 3,453 yards and 26 touchdowns as an excellent complement to DeSean Jackson. The receiver has said he would be willing to accept a one-year deal and Philadelphia will soon find out just how much he means that.
If Maclin does not return to Philadelphia, a few teams have already expressed interest. The New York Jets are targeting the wide receiver, per the New York Post. They plan on releasing Santonio Holmes and will need another threat. The New England Patriots could also be an option if Julian Edelman does not return.
