Week 17 will bring an end to Jeremy Maclin’s disappointing season

When the Baltimore Ravens signed Jeremy Maclin in the offseason after the Kansas City Chiefs released him, it was expected that Maclin would be a chain-moving difference maker for Joe Flacco. Maclin had a down year in 2016 with Kansas City after reaching 1,000 yards receiving the year before. Many took 2016 as a fluke due to him missing time with a groin injury and posting career lows, which lead to his release.

The Ravens hoped they were getting the version of Maclin that contributed in Kansas City and Philadelphia instead of the 2016 incarnation, unfortunately that turned out to be the case. Maclin never really got going this season after signing a 2-year, $11 million contract with Baltimore. Maybe it was due to the fact that Flacco missed all of training camp, but the lack of chemistry was apparent this season.

Nevertheless, with Maclin listed as doubtful for Sunday's season-finale with the Cincinnati Bengals, due to a knee injury, he will finish his first year in Baltimore with new career lows. His regular season final stat line will be 40 receptions for 440 receiving yards and three touchdowns. It is worth noting, 40 receptions and 440 yards are career lows for Maclin.

General Manager Ozzie Newsome now has a decision to make with the soon-to-be 30-year old wide receiver who is now coming off of two straight bad seasons. Releasing Maclin saves $4 million in cap money, but it might not hurt for the Ravens to keep him when you look at the rest of the wide receiving group. Mike Wallace is a free agent after the conclusion of the season, and Breshad Perriman has essentially cemented himself as a bust.

When the Ravens signed Maclin, this is not what they intended to see or consider after his first season. Now, Newsome might have to cut bait after seeing this experiment not work out. Maybe a full training camp with Flacco could help get these two get on the same page with each other, but the question is, will Maclin be a Raven next season?