Chicago Bears 2017 Free Agency: What if Alshon Jeffery leaves?

The Chicago Bears franchise tagged Alshon Jeffery in 2016 for a prove-it season, and if we’re being honest, he didn’t prove much of anything. He missed four games to a PED suspension, but in the 12 games that he played in, he had the worst yards per game (68.4) and catch percentage (55.3%) since his rookie season. His two touchdowns were a career low as well. Sure, some of that had to do with the carousel of quarterbacks that he played with, but elite playmaking receivers tend to make elite plays from time to time.

Reports said that Jeffery wanted elite #1 wide out money and the Bears weren’t ready to make that large of a long term commitment. I doubt his 2016 play would have altered what the Bears are willing to offer, and it’s rare that a player comes down from his initial demands, so it is possible Jeffery ends up somewhere else in 2017.

In my latest T Formation Conversation podcast (Subscribe now on iTunes!), I look at a few options for the Bears at wide out if Jeffery is gone.

I also go over a few other positions the Bears could use an upgrade at while using John Clayton’s “ESPN Insider” Top 50 Free Agent’s List.

Keep in mind if Jeffery walks, if they cut Eddie Royal in a cost cutting move, if they allow unrestricted free agents Marquess Wilson and Deonte Thompson to go, if restricted free agent Josh Bellamy isn’t brought back, then they are left with only Kevin White and Cameron Meredith under contract at the position.

Give the podcast a listen and let us know if you think any of the guys I mentioned are a possibility.