The Chicago Bears finished in last place in the NFC North last season with a 6-10 record, and general manager Ryan Pace has some major decisions to make this offseason. The Bears have already decided to let veteran running back Matt Forte walk this offseason, but they still have a crucial decision to make regarding their star wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Jeffery struggled to stay healthy this past season with calf, hamstring and groin injuries limiting him to just nine games. The Bears star wide out is scheduled to become and unrestricted free agent in March, but Pace hasn't ruled out using the franchise tag, according to NFL reporter Chris Wesseling.
The Bears general manager might decide to place the franchise tag on the talented wide receiver in hopes of buying time to work out a long-term contract, according to Wesseling. The franchise tag window opened on Tuesday, but most teams are likely to use the two week window rather than tag any player immediately, according to NFL reporter Albert Breer.
Jeffery recorded 54 receptions for 807 yards and scored four touchdowns during the 2015 season. The Bears never got to see their first round draft pick Kevin White in action this past season, and they could look to tag-and-trade Jeffery if they believe White can be a number one receiver.
The Bears have a ton of needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and while they still might look to lockup Jeffery to a long-term contract, a tag-and-trade option could help them build their franchise in the long run, according to Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune.
Chicago needs more than just a star wide receiver to be a Super Bowl contender and could look to acquire draft picks for the talented wide out, as that will help build their foundation as a team, according to Rosenbloom. The move would make sense, but the Bears front office will likely only make a trade of that nature for the right price.
Jeffery just turned 26 years old this past Sunday and would likely garner interest around the league in a possible trade scenario. Teams like the Dolphins, Giants and Patriots could possibly be interested in the talented receiver, and they could fill a need for each of them, according to Rosenbloom.
It's unclear what the Bears' plans are with Jeffery this offseason, but it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the organization place the franchise tag on him in the next two weeks, as they decide whether to give him a long term contract or seek a trade.
