Alshon Jeffery will not be franchise tagged. With under two weeks until the start of free agency, it’s clear the Chicago Bears are prepared to let him test the open market. This has caused somewhat of a panic. How can a team that went 3-13 last season justify letting one of their best offensive playmakers walk for literally nothing in return?
It’s a fair question but complicated to answer. Jeffery expects to get paid top wide receiver money and he’s probably right. Yet his production and availability over the past two seasons don’t reflect that of a top wide receiver. Not even close. Then there is the fact that maybe he and the new regime of GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox don’t think it’s a good fit.
Nothing is really clear. What is clear is that the Bears now have a tough job ahead of them. Finding a way to replace the void on offense Jeffery will leave behind. Most are already turning their eyes towards the upcoming NFL draft, but that may be premature. Options could exist for them in free agency too. Hidden ones looking for just the right fit.
