The Connection Between the Steve Smith signing and Jermey Maclin's Injury and Desean Jackson's Contract

In what would be a huge signing if the Eagles didn't already pick up a handful of Pro-Bowlers this off season, the Eagles picked up the (still) injured Steve Smith from the Giants.

Now Steve Smith WILL NOT play opening day, baring a miracle in recovery.  He isn't up to speed and healthy enough to play.  The Eagles are WILLING to guarantee him 2 million this year, with incentives leading up to 4 million dollars.  They must believe he is more valuable currently hurt than a healthy Plaxico who brought in 3-4 million, or a guy like Braylon Edwards with all the baggage he brings.

Steve Smith underwent Micro-Fracture Knee Surgery in December, and has yet to go anywhere near 100%.  Eagles staff believes with his recovery, he should be ready to go at the latest on Week 4.  Smith said in an interview, that he feels like he could practice tomorrow, but he doesn't want to rush anything. 

All this put aside, the Eagles didn't need a WR....and they got one....and they didn't get one that was cheap.  Desean and Maclin are two of the better 1-2 combo's in the league.  Jason Avant was arguably the best 3rd WR in the league.  Riley Cooper is the teams future as a tall target in the red zone.  The Eagles also have players with experience in camp for the 5th spot, such as Johnny Lee-Higgens, Chad Hall, and Sinocre Moss. 

But if Smith is healthy quick...is he your #2 or #3 WR? You know the Eagles could use another LB.....and they just got a WR.  Eagles Offense was set as it was with Ronnie Brown who's considered one of the best recieving RB in the game.....And the Eagles just added a Pro-Bowl WR who in 25 games over the last 2 years, had 1700+ yards and 10 TD's.

Here's my interpretation.....

Eagles got Steve Smith because they don't believe Maclin will be healthy for some time.  It only makes sense.  This signing honestly scares me enough to believe that Jermey Maclin will NOT be playing at all this year....or at-least for a long time.  It's a reasonable concern.  Maclin still can not figure out why he's sick, and i've heard enough "career threatening" rumors to scare me.

Also,
Both Steve Smith and Desean Jackson will be free agents at the end of the year.  While Desean is a must-sign, it might throw a little bit of competition his way.  Having Jackson, Maclin, Smith, and Avant as your top 4 is almost too good considering some of the other holes in positions like the O-line and Linebackers. 

But, ultimately this is because of Maclin.  I honestly believe he will not play this year.  Despite how good Avant is, he isn't quite a #2 WR in my eyes.  Steve Smith is that guy.