Alshon Jeffery may have played his last game as a member of the Chicago Bears. After placing the franchise tag on him last offseason, it appears Chicago will not do so this offseason. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported the news.
#Bears are not expected to franchise Alshon Jeffery again at > $17M, sources say. A top WR on the market will generate lots of buzz in Indy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2017
The tag number for Jeffery is exponentially higher because they used it on him last season. If you look solely at his numbers in 2016, Jeffery isn’t worth anywhere close to the $17 million franchise tag (52 catches, 821 yards, 2 touchdowns). He was also suspended for four games because of PED’s. It’s possible the Bears could retain him this offseason but it won’t be at that high price tag.
The Philadelphia Eagles are one team that has known interest. Philadelphia is searching for a receiver to help Carson Wentz develop. Other teams will likely make it tough for the Bears to keep their shiny wide out. Jeffery, 27, will likely get a big time deal despite a down season in 2016 that was marred by bad quarterback play.
