2016 NFL Free Agency Profile: Alshon Jeffery

Dec 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches a touchdown pass over New Orleans Saints defensive back A.J. Davis (20) during the second half at Soldier Field. New Orleans won 31-15. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to pinpoint how the drafting of Kevin White impacts the contract status of Alshon Jeffery heading towards 2016 NFL free agency. Is it positive or negative?

Age: 25
85 catches
1,133 yards
10 touchdowns
Pro Bowl (2013)

The arrival of Kevin White, at least in the context of the Chicago Bears is a great thing. That is because h will pair with Jeffery to give quarterback Jay Cutler a pair of big receiver who have vertical speed and soft hands. However, it may be hard for Jeffery himself to not feel at least a little bit agitated. With Brandon Marshall out of the picture, he was in the clear to make a serious amount of money following the 2015 season as the unquestioned #1 receiver on that roster.

After all, Jeffery is the first player at his position drafted by the Bears to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since Marty Booker way back in 2001 and 2002. He’s a rare commodity in that he’s a young playmaker at a position the franchise has struggled with for decades. With White coming in, a player whom several experts see having a bright future in Chicago, it stands to take money out of Jeffery’s pocket unless he can put together a season similar to the two he’s posted recently despite having to switch offensive schemes for the third time in his career.

The Chicago Bears have no reason to apologize for trying to make their team better and they’ve made it clear they want Alshon Jeffery back. As with anything else it comes down to dollars. If he performs as expected, he’ll get paid. The Bears will have plenty of salary cap space in 2016 to make it happen.

Where things might get interesting is if he goes through a hiccup season.

Likeliest Outcome: Signs extension after season ends

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