Chicago Bears still talking with Alshon Jeffery about a long term contract

A few weeks ago it came out that the Chicago Bears were content to allow franchise tagged wide out Alshon Jeffery play the 2016 season under the tag. It was reported that discussions about a long term deal would be shelved until after the season.

It makes sense from a team standpoint if Jeffery is seeking elite #1 wide out money, to wait and see if he can stay healthy for the 2016 season. Let the year play out and see if Jeffery can improve on his career high 89 receptions and 1421 yards that he set in his lone Pro Bowl season of 2013. Or see if he can eclipse his career best 10 touchdowns that he set in 2014.

But, if Jeffery isn’t looking to break the bank with Dez Bryant or Julio Jones money ($70M+), and is seeking a more Keenan Allen or Jeremy Maclin like deal ($50M-ish), then getting him locked up before the July 15th deadline makes sense.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that the Bears and Jeffery were working towards a resolution.

It's been widely assumed Alshon Jeffery will play on the one-year tag of $14.6 M, and though that might happen, I'm told the Bears and Jeffery have continued to talk about a long-term contract and a new deal is certainly possible. July 15 deadline gives plenty of time. If a deal happens, it will be late in process. Bears red-zone offense markedly better with a fully healthy Jeffery in 2014. He missed seven games last year and the team's RZ ranking dropped.

What are your thoughts on Jeffery and the Bears still talking?

Do you guys think a deal will be reached before the franchise tag deadline?