NFL Rumors: Former Kansas City Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin To Buffalo Bills?
Are the Buffalo Bills looking to sign former Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver Jeremy Maclin? That is the latest of the NFL rumors regarding the Buffalo Bills and Jeremy Maclin. If the Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver considers himself a match with the Buffalo Bills, a deal could get done quickly. The Bills are in the market for a wide receiver, whom they can pair with Sammy Watkins. Jeremy Maclin fits the profile of what the Buffalo Bills are looking for.
Maclin, who unsuspectingly wound up an NFL free agent after the Kansas City Chiefs released him (courtesy of NFL.com) late Friday night is looking for a new team. The Chiefs cut their ties with Maclin just two years after he signed a lucrative deal of four years. Maclin, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, was nearly as productive with the Chiefs as he was with his former team.
Jeremy Maclin hauled in 87 catches, eight of them for touchdowns, with a total of 1,088 yards during his first year with the Kansas City Chiefs. Those totals took a significant dive during his second season with the Chiefs. The emergence of Tyreek Hill and Chris Conley could have been the reason for Maclin’s subpar second year in Kansas City. Jeremy Maclin only caught 44 balls, with 536 yards and touchdown scores.
Tyreek Hill and Chris Conley came on strong late during the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff push last season. There may not have been much of a need for Maclin’s huge contract with the production of the young receivers mirroring that of the veteran. The move will save the Kansas City Chiefs more than $10 million this season.
News of the Kansas City Chiefs decision to release Jeremy Maclin was not a popular one. Not only was Maclin surprised, but so was the Chiefs’ starting quarterback Alex Smith, according to the Kansas City Star.
“He played through a lot last year, played through injuries and pushed through trying to help this team. Obviously as players we don’t get to make these decisions. For us, we have to move on a roll as a group. We obviously wish Jeremy well wherever he lands, and he’ll land on his feet.”
Jeremy Maclin’s next destination could be in the AFC North with the Buffalo Bills. That is if one of his former Philadelphia Eagles’ teammates can get his way.
LeSean McCoy recruiting Jeremy Maclin to join Bills, "don't be surprised if it happens" https://t.co/dJTjXMdfG0
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) June 4, 2017
Per ESPN’s Mike Rodak, Jeremy Maclin is receiving a strong recruiting pitch from current Buffalo Bills’ running back LeSean McCoy. The Bills’ all-pro is predicting that Maclin will join the team.
Another Buffalo Bills’ player who is championing for a possible Maclin signing is quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
“Would love to have a guy like him on our team competing and coming out and making plays for us. Especially means a lot to our wide receiver room, putting another veteran guy with a whole bunch of talent and still potential left to reach his best. I would love to have him.”
The last time the Buffalo Bills saw Jeremy Maclin, it was in 2015, and he was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. The receiver gashed the Bills for 160 yards (courtesy of the Sporting News) with nine catches and touchdown score. Much of his damage to the Bills’ secondary played a major role in the Chiefs’ playoff chase.
Tyrod Taylor says he will approach Bills' coaches this week about possibility of signing Jeremy Maclin. Taylor also wants Maclin's phone #.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) June 4, 2017
If the Buffalo Bills sign Jeremy Maclin, one important date on their schedule would be a date with the Kansas City Chiefs on November 26. The Bills visit the Chiefs in what could be a pivotal game for both teams.
The Buffalo Bills need a second receiver to make things easier for McCoy, Taylor, and Watkins. Jeremy Maclin is not too far removed from the player who torched the Bills in 2015. Maclin’s ability to stretch the football field with his speed, along with the ability to lineup as a slot receiver could help the Bills’ offense.
During their days with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy had some of their best seasons together. That magic can return if the Buffalo Bills if they can convince the former Kansas City Chiefs’ receiver to sign.
[Featured Image by Jamie Squire/Getty Images]
