Did Maclin choose Ravens over Eagles?

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - Jeremy Maclin landed in Baltimore on a two-year deal Monday, leaving the fans in Buffalo feeling jilted.

But according to ESPN NFL reporter Josina Anderson, it wasn't the Bills that played bridesmaid to the Ravens, it was Maclin's former team, the Eagles.

That directly conflicts with Eagles coach Doug Pederson, who was pretty emphatic when asked about his team's interest in a potential reunion with Maclin last week.

“At this time, no,” the coach stated.

Obviously, there is a little wiggle room there but the context added sure seemed like the door was shut on Maclin in South Philadelphia.

"[Receiver has] been one of the bright spots of the spring, quite honestly, to see these guys,” Pederson said when discussing his WRs. “To see Alshon [Jeffery] come in here and Torrey [Smith] come in here, to work with the young players. To get Nelson [Agholor] and the progression of where Nelson’s at, and DGB [Dorial Green-Beckham], it’s all sort of collectively coming together. These guys are rallying around each other in practice; they’re encouraging each other in practice; they’re challenging each other in practice. It’s fun to see.”

So where would have Maclin fit of the Eagles were back-channeling things and looking to bring him back?

Jeffery and Smith, along with Jordan Matthews in the slot, have been penciled in as the starters but with Matthews missing most of OTAs with knee tendinitis, the oft-maligned Agholor has been excelling in his place.

Matthews is in the final year of his rookie deal and Pederson prefers well-rounded receivers who can move around the formation more and that's likely the spot that was earmarked for Maclin.

So, while people focus in on Smith and the small number he was guaranteed to sign ($500K), the real story here is that the Eagles were looking to improve upon Matthews.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen