The Bears failed to come to terms on a long-term deal with No.1 wide receiver Alshon Jeffery before Friday’s deadline according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune.
To be frank, no deal was expected.
Jeffery wanted Dez Bryant-type money and the Bears organization was simply unwilling to commit that kind of jack with Jeffery coming off an injury-plagued 2015 season.
Jeffery also has the reputation of not always keeping himself in the best of shape. In his defense, Jeffery still led all Bears receivers in catches an receiving yards last season despite missing seven games.
The 26-year-old, a second-round draft pick for the Bears out of South Carolina in 2012, should remain quite content playing on the $14,599 million one-year franchise tag for wideouts in 2016 and will be in line for a massive payday if he can stay healthy and produce WR1 numbers.
The Bears will have plenty of time to negotiate with Jeffery after the season.