Report: Bills in 'preliminary talks' to sign Maclin

The Buffalo Bills didn't waste much time before making their pitch to the newest and most notable name on the free-agent market.

Buffalo is in "preliminary talks" to sign Jeremy Maclin following his surprise release from the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, Jordan Schultz of The Huffington Post reports, citing a source.

The clear need for a No. 2 option opposite Sammy Watkins makes the Bills a logical destination for Maclin, and it seems as though the team will have somewhat of an advantage in their efforts to reel him in.

Star running back LeSean McCoy, a former teammate of Maclin's with the Philadelphia Eagles, indicated Sunday that he quickly took on the role of recruiter when Maclin hit free agency.

"Not to brag, but I was the first guy he talked to when the news broke," McCoy said, according to Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News. "I kind of understand because I've been through it. Maybe not to the extreme of being released, but being traded. That's basically telling you, 'You're not good enough for us.'

"I understand that. He was hurt, but I played with him and I know the guys in the locker room and I know he can help us out tremendously. I've been doing my recruiting already. Don't be surprised if it happens."

Related: Bills' Taylor would 'love to have' Maclin, McCoy already recruiting WR

Maclin is coming off a frustrating 2016 campaign in which injuries limited him to just 12 games and a less-than-impressive stat line of 44 receptions for 536 yards and two touchdowns.

His playmaking ability was on full display the season prior, however, as he racked up 87 catches for 1,088 yards and eight touchdowns after joining the Chiefs on a five-year, $55-million deal.