It was long seen as a foregone conclusion that the Chicago Bears would apply the franchise tag to impending free agent wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported this morning that it may not be a lock. As the team continues to deliberate on applying the franchise tag, many other NFL teams count down the days until free agency hits.
If Jeffery does not get hit with the franchise tag, a plethora of teams will be knocking on his agent's door, trying to get him in town and to work out a deal. The 26-year-old suffered through an injury-plagued season in 2015, playing in just nine games. But before 2015, Jeffery posted consecutive seasons with 80-plus receptions, 1,100-plus receiving yards and seven-plus touchdowns.
It's more than likely the Bears ultimately decide to apply the franchise tag on Jeffery, keeping their top receiver in town and hoping he stays healthy in 2016. A long-term extension might be the bigger concern with Chicago presently just given Jeffery's issues last year, but the money should be on Jeffery being in Chicago next year.