Chicago Bears Lose Alshon Jeffery, Signs One-Year Deal with Philadelphia Eagles
The Chicago Bears lost their top free agent, as wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
On the surface, free agency has not gotten off to a strong start for the Chicago Bears. Top cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and A.J. Bouye went to other teams despite obvious Bears’ interest, and quarterback Mike Glennon has been their only major signing. The Glennon signing has many Bears’ fans and followers of the NFL completely baffled.
On top of that, the Bears have now lost their own best free agent, as wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has signed a one-year, $14 million contract. The deal appears to be first reported by Josina Anderson of ESPN.
WR Alshon Jeffery just called me directly and said it is a "done deal" that he will go to the #Eagles
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017
WR Alshon Jeffery is a 1-year deal for $14M to #Eagles.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017
Aside from perhaps running back Jordan Howard, Jeffery was the best weapon on the Chicago Bears offense. He is a big and powerful receiver who has great athleticism and can go up and get it with the best of them. Jeffery can get to almost anything and will typically make a quarterback better than he actually is. That sure could have come in handy with Glennon under center.
That being said, I understand why the Bears were hesitant to give Jeffery a huge multi-year deal. He is undoubtedly talented, but Jeffery has dealt with a ton of injuries throughout his career. He has played through a lot of them, but Jeffery is undoubtedly injury prone and that is a concern. Signing a one-year deal with the Eagles is risky, but Jeffery could play himself into a massive payday next off season.
Now, 2014 seventh overall selection Kevin White will have to step up and play a larger role in the Bears offense. White is supremely talented but similar to Jeffery, he constantly struggles with injuries. If White can stay on the field, the Bears may not miss Jeffery much. But that is obviously a huge if.
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White and Cameron Meredith will likely be the starting receivers for the Bears next season. Meredith broke out with 66 receptions for 888 yards and four touchdowns. He is a smooth receiver who shows some nice upside. Meredith will undoubtedly be a player to watch next season.
While White and Meredith have some upside, the Bears need to add something to this receiving corps. Whether it is in free agency or the 2017 NFL Draft, at least one wide receiver add must be made. After losing Jeffery, the position now jumps high on the Bears’ list of needs.