If you looked at the contracts for Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper, you might think the numbers are backwards. Back in February, Cooper signed a five-year, $25 million extension with the Eagles. Maclin signed a one-year deal that could be worth up to $6 million just a few days later.
This season, Maclin has caught 63 passes for 980 yards and nine touchdowns. He has emerged as one of the best receivers in the game, while Cooper has faded into irrelevance with just 39 catches and 425 yards.
Earlier this week, Cooper was asked about his snap rate being dramatically reduced over the past several games. He joked that Maclin needs more playing time because his teammate is playing for a new contract.
“Maclin’s trying to get a contract so he’s probably not going to try and come out of the game,” Cooper said sarcastically, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The joke didn’t land with Maclin. On Tuesday, Maclin said Cooper’s comment was unwise.
Maclin: "That was not a very smart for Coop to say." Asked if it's true, Maclin said, "No." Said each side has different rotation.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) November 25, 2014
Cooper later reiterated that he was “joking” and admitted that Maclin is a better player than him.
Cooper: "I’m supposed to sub every 4,5 plays and that’s what I do. Maclin, I guess, is a lot better player than me, so he doesn’t have to."
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) November 25, 2014
Cooper had a few big games last season that had fluke written all over them. Despite that, the Eagles still wanted him back at a hefty price. They would have been better off throwing that money at Maclin, but they chose not to risk it since Maclin was returning from a torn ACL.
As we all know, this is not the first time Cooper has had an issue with one of his teammates. He probably wishes he didn’t speak publicly about another player’s contract.
H/T Eye on Football
