Cowboys Rumors: Jeremy Maclin Drew 'Preliminary' Interest from Dallas, Eagles

The Dallas Cowboys signed free agents Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson at receiver this season, but they were reportedly also looking into Jeremy Maclin.

According to Josina Anderson of ESPN, both the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles had "preliminary inquiries" regarding the receiver, although he appears to no longer be an option after they each filled their need at the position elsewhere.

Maclin remains unsigned and is still "fielding his market," per Anderson.

The 29-year-old was a Pro Bowler in 2014 with the Eagles and followed it up with a great season in 2015 with the Kansas City Chiefs. He tallied 172 catches for 2,406 yards and 18 touchdowns in that two-year span.

However, he has struggled mightily over the past two seasons, with 2017 being his worst year in the NFL. He set new career lows with 40 catches and 440 yards playing for the Baltimore Ravens.

Still, the Cowboys' interest is noteworthy considering the struggles in the passing game last year. The team ranked 26th in the NFL in total passing yards with not a single receiver reaching 900 yards.

Dez Bryant had been a superstar at receiver in the past, but he isn't living up to the $16.5 million cap hit he is owed in each of the next two seasons, per Spotrac. The team could potentially try to renegotiate the current deal or release the receiver outright.

"We're going to be grinding it out and trying to determine what is in the best interest of our business," executive vice president Stephon Jones said of Bryant in February, per Todd Archer of ESPN.

In the meantime, the Cowboys will try to upgrade the receiving corps with or without Bryant. Hurns will help slightly, but he also only has 961 yards in the last two years combined. It seemed the Cowboys were more confident the former Jacksonville Jaguars star would be more likely to contribute in 2018 than Maclin.