The Arizona Cardinals Should Sign Jeremy Maclin
By Jeremy Meek
The Arizona Cardinals should make an effort to sign wide receiver Jeremy Maclin
There is no denying the number of question marks surrounding the Arizona Cardinals wide receiver corps. Larry Fitzgerald will still be the leader of the unit, but age is certainly a factor, and he’s not the downfield threat he once was. Behind him, it’s anybody’s guess as to who steps up as a second real threat to opposing defenses.
It was somewhat surprising, on Friday, when the Kansas City Chiefs released Jeremy Maclin. However, his release created some much needed salary cap room for his former team.
Maclin was originally a first round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 NFL Draft. After five years there, he signed a big free agent deal with the Chiefs. The question is, where does he wind up next? The Cardinals should make a run at him.
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At 6’0″ and 200 lbs, Maclin isn’t impressive size-wise, but his play on the field is. The mercurial receiver has put up some impressive numbers in his career thus far. His best season was in 2014, when he recorded 85 catches, 1,218 yards, and 10 touchdowns. For his career, he has averaged 68 receptions, 914 yards, and 7 scores.
Maclin won’t come cheap, which hinders any interest the Cardinals may have in him. General Manager Steve Keim and company haven’t shown an inclination to spend big on another receiver, despite the need. The team still likes John and Jaron Brown, and just drafted Chad Williams, who has loads of potential. The team may feel like they’re good enough at the position.
Carson Palmer could certainly benefit from another proven, dynamic receiver. His numbers suffered last year, when injuries and ineffectiveness struck his pass catchers. As he nears the end of his career, having extra weapons is certainly a help.
The Cardinals window might be closing for a bit. They have no plan at quarterback if Palmer retires after this year, and if Fitzgerald goes too, the receiving corps is questionable. Signing Maclin, and maximizing their chances this year, is the smart thing.