Chicago Bears 2017 free agency profiles: Wide receivers
Alshon Jeffery, 26 (6-foot-4, 23 pounds)
Yes, I included the Chicago Bears’ own Jeffery on this list. He is the best available wide receiver in free agency. The Bears need to do what they can to keep him.
I know Jeffery missed a number of games due to injuries and in 2016 he missed time due to a suspension due to PED use. Nonetheless, he is a special player and needs to be a part of the team’s rebuild. Keeping him and putting other receivers around him hastens the improvement.
Of course, bringing Jeffery back hinges on him wanting to come back. I felt at times that he wasn’t all in on being in Chicago. A big part of the reason is his rapport (or lack thereof) with Jay Cutler. For whatever reason, he and Cutler haven’t been on the same page over the years. I still don’t understand why Cutler didn’t look for Jeffery more in the end zone, with Jefferey’s height and strength advantage over any cornerback covering him.
On the other hand, if Cutler appears to be on his way out, Jeffery may have a different feeling about Chicago. That suspension may also be enough of an embarrassment for him to stay and go all out.
One good sign is Jeffery’s guarantee of a Chicago Bears Super Bowl. Of course, no one realistically expects that to come to fruition, but it is refreshing to have someone come out and show pride and emotion on this team. For too long, many players seem to just come in, play the game, and take their paycheck. This statement shows that perhaps Jeffery wants to come back.
Some say that with the suspension and injury risk, the Bears should tag Jeffery a second time. That would be a big mistake. Tagging him costs the Bears over $17.5 million. Add that to the $14.6 million they spent on him in 2016, and that is over $32 million in two seasons and still a chance of him bolting after 2017.
According to Spotrac, Jeffery’s market value is 5 years at over $61 million. That is about %12.2 million per season. Rather than using up almost $6 million extra for a one-and-done season, they are better off keeping him under contract for some time.
Next: Will the Bears find their long-term quarterback?
With a happy Alshon Jeffery on the field and perhaps a new quarterback to work with, the Chicago Bears can expect greater things from their talented receiver. In addition, signing one or more of these other receivers can improve this offense by leaps and bounds.