Eagles' Maclin on contract talks: 'If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen'

The Philadelphia Eagles have yet to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension with Jeremy Maclin, but the star wide receiver hasn't given up on the process just yet.

Speaking Saturday after an appearance on behalf of the Eagles' organization, Maclin expressed optimism about the current state of negotiations.

"I've always said I want to be here in Philadelphia, but I've also always said I understand it's a business," Maclin said, according to Les Bowen of Philly.com. "Both sides have made it known that we both want each other back, so the rest of it is in God's hands. If it's supposed to happen, it'll happen. I want to be here."

The Eagles still have the option of using the franchise tag on the 26-year-old wideout, but a long-term deal is clearly the more desirable solution for both sides.

Though Maclin has continued to make it known he'd like to remain in Philadelphia going forward, doing so will continue to become more difficult the longer the two sides go without reaching a deal.

Maclin, who is coming off a career-best season in which he tallied an impressive 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns on 85 catches, will have a number of teams looking to outbid the Eagles should he hit the free-agent market when the new league year begins March 10.