Jeremy Maclin to Chiefs: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Jeremy Maclin is cashing in after his 2014 season.

The 26-year-old wide receiver decided against re-signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, instead opting to join the Kansas City Chiefs.     

The team confirmed the deal Wednesday on its Twitter account.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported that Maclin signed a five-year, $55 million contract in Kansas City with $22.5 million in guaranteed money.

Maclin couldn't have asked for a better time to have the best season of his career. In 2014, he set career highs in receptions (85) and receiving yards (1,318), while tying a career high in touchdowns (10).

Some will argue that Maclin's numbers were inflated by head coach Chip Kelly's high-powered, uptempo attack; however, it's worth mentioning that Maclin's quarterbacks were Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles, who regressed in a major way from his 2013 self.

That pretty much evens out in the end.

Maclin's strong performance in 2014 invariably made him a more attractive free agent this offseason, even if some lingering doubts likely remain after his somewhat erratic first five years in the league.

Last offseason, he potentially left money on the table by agreeing to only a one-year deal with the Eagles. It seemed a bit risky at the time but looks sage in retrospect.

The long-term contract Maclin would've commanded at this time last year pales in comparison to what he's getting from Kansas City.

In 2014, he put to bed any doubts that he was more of a secondary option after he spent the bulk of his career stuck behind DeSean Jackson in the Eagles offense.

With Jackson in Washington, Maclin thrived as Philadelphia's No. 1 target.

In addition, any fears that the ACL injury that completely wiped out his 2013 campaign would have any lingering effects turned out to be a nonissue as well. Maclin didn't slow down at all and averaged more yards per catch (15.5) than he ever had before.

Because of his success in 2014, it's a bit surprising to see that the Eagles couldn't retain him.

Back in February, he reiterated his desire to remain in Philadelphia, per Tod Palmer of The Kansas City Star: "I've always said I wanted to be an Eagle. They’ve expressed the same, so hopefully something gets worked out. I also understand that this is a business and I also understand that anything can happen."

In addition, the Eagles had a chance to slap the franchise tag on Maclin, a decision Bleacher Report's Chris Simms felt was rather easy to make:

Philadelphia will likely be kicking itself for not exercising that option. It's not every day that a player like Maclin comes along.

There's potentially the risk that he was just a one-year wonder in terms of being a No. 1 WR, and maybe his previous ACL injury comes back into play.

Unless one of those two things happen, the Eagles' loss is the Chiefs' gain. He should provide an immediate impact for Kansas City's offense.