Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ; Then-Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) scores a 21-yard touchdown during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The worst-kept secret in Kansas City is now official with the Chiefs confirmed they have signed free agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Maclin will be introduced to the media during a 2 p.m. press conference Wednesday.
The contract is a five-year, $55 million deal according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Terms regarding the impact on this year’s salary cap are unknown at this time. The contract includes a reported $22.5 million in guaranteed money.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for the 26-year-old Maclin, who starred first in high school at Kirkwood (Mo.) High School and then at the University of Missouri. Maclin was the 19th overall pick in the first round for the Eagles in the 2009 draft.
Maclin also reunites in Kansas City with the coach who drafted him in Philadelphia. Andy Reid coached Maclin during his first four seasons in the NFL.
The 6-foot, 198-pound Maclin is coming off his career-best season in 2014. The wideout grabbed 85 catches for 1,318 yards with 10 touchdowns in his first year as the clear-cut No. 1 option among the Eagles wide receiver corps.
Maclin’s career totals include 343 catches for 4,771 along with 36 touchdowns. He will be expected to add punch to a Chiefs wide receiver group that did not score a touchdown in 2014.
Still unclear is what impact the signing of Maclin will have on the rest of the Chiefs free agent group, most notably Dwayne Bowe. Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com among others reported earlier the Chiefs may cut ties with Bowe as soon as Wednesday.
