Why Philadelphia Eagles Absolutely Must Retain Jeremy Maclin

It's been less than a month since the season ended for the Philadelphia Eagles and signs absolutely point to a crazy offseason. Turn on one of the local Philadelphia sports radio stations and all you'll hear is talk about the possibility of the Eagles moving up in the draft for Chip Kelly's college quarterback, Heisman winner Marcus Mariota.

While the Mariota talk will remain a compelling storyline for the next three months, let's not underestimate the importance of the rest of the draft, as well as free agency. The Eagles, as usual, have lots of money to spend in free agency, as they will carry over close to $19 million from last year, per Overthecap.

It's absolutely vital that this team revamps its porous secondary, whether through the draft or free agency. They could also use another starting linebacker and some more depth at a number of positions on the offensive side of the ball.

But before the Eagles even begin to look at free agents from other teams, they need to make one very important in-house signing. Under no circumstances should wide receiver Jeremy Maclin be allowed to leave this team.

A first-round pick in 2009, Maclin averaged 64 receptions, 857 yards and six scores in his first four seasons. But the Eagles allowed Maclin to enter the final year of his rookie contract without an extension, perhaps suggesting that they expected more from him.

An unfortunate torn ACL in training camp of the 2013 season ended Maclin's fifth year before it even started. Although the Eagles reportedly offered Maclin a five-year deal after the season, he turned down the deal to ink a one-year offer. Essentially, Maclin gambled on himself successfully returning from his knee injury. It was a risky move, for although ACL injuries aren't what they used to be, they're far from a guarantee. 

Without three-time Pro Bowl deep threat DeSean Jackson on the other side of the field in 2014, Maclin was expected to produce as the top receiver in one of the league's best offenses. For a player who had never reached 900 yards in a season, it was a lot to expect. 

That's what makes Maclin's 2014 season so special. 

Games	Catches	Drops	Yards	Touchdowns	PFF Grade	PFF Rank
16	85	1	1318	10	9.1	14th

For starters, Maclin stayed healthy for all 16 games, displaying a toughness on the field that many claimed he lacked in previous seasons. He posted virtually identical statistics to Jackson's 2013 campaign, as he caught 85 balls for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

He had virtually no help from No. 2 Riley Cooper, who earned a $22.5 million contract last offseason after a breakout 2013 campaign. He dealt with a struggling LeSean McCoy and an offensive line that was at one point missing three starters and playing a fourth out of position.

Oh, and that's not even addressing the difference in quarterback play. Nick Foles took a major step back in 2014 and Mark Sanchez made it clear in the second half of the season that he preferred rookie Jordan Matthews over Maclin. 

QB	Games	Targets	Catches	Drops	Yards	TDs	INTs	Passer Rating
Foles	7.25	77	41	0	702	7	4	93.1
Sanchez	8.75	63	44	1	616	3	3	97.1

Look at some of Maclin's biggest moments in 2014. 

He caught eight passes for 154 yards, including a fourth-quarter go-ahead touchdown, in a 37-34 win against the Washington Redskins. He made an amazing 22-yard one-handed reception near the sideline in the final two minutes against the San Francisco 49ers. He caught 12 passes for 187 yards and two scores against the Arizona Cardinals. And he scored two touchdowns, one with Foles and one with Sanchez, against the Houston Texans. 

Maclin was selected to the Pro Bowl as an alternate, which was an amazing accomplishment considering his career-threatening injury just a year-and-a-half ago. 

Just 27 years old in May, Maclin is an incredibly vital part of the Eagles offense. He's established himself as a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver and it's time for the Eagles to pay him like one.

Take away Maclin from the Eagles offense and what do you have? You have a pair of rookies, one up-and-coming player and one still unproven, as well as arguably the most ineffective starting wide receiver in the National Football League. 

Name	Catches	Drops	Yards	Touchdowns	PFF Rating	PFF Rank
Riley Cooper	55	3	573	3	-12.7	218th (last)
Jordan Matthews	67	5	876	8	-1.7	129th
Josh Huff	8	4	98	0	-2.2	144th

Realistically, the Eagles will keep Jeremy Maclin, barring unforeseen circumstances. He's stated that he wants to remain in Philadelphia and they want him to stay. He's the consummate pro, a leader in the clubhouse and one of the best players on the team.

Look at DeSean Jackson's deal before the 2012 season. He received a five-year deal worth $47 million, including $15 million guaranteed. Expect Maclin to receive a very similar contract. 

The Eagles have the cap space. They know the importance of Maclin to their franchise, both in 2015 and in the future. They're two or three elite players away from competing for a Super Bowl title. They absolutely need to lock up Maclin for the next half-decade. And they will.