Why Chicago Bears Would Consider Jeffery Tag and Trade

According to multiple reports, the Chicago Bears have made it clear they have no intention of letting wide receiver Alshon Jeffery walk in free agency.  Either they will sign him to a lucrative extension or worst-case use the franchise tag to keep him in place for a year.  However, there is a subtle rumble going around the wire that perhaps the team might consider the rare option of tagging and then trading the young receiver.

It sounds crazy at first thought given how rarely that happens, but there are some significant reasons to believe it’s quite possible for the Bears.  Here are a few to chew on.

Weak Off-Season Options

Based on the current landscape of free agency and the NFL draft in 2016, the wide receiver market is substantially weaker than its been the past few years.  There is no consensus top rookie like an Amari Cooper or Odell Beckham Jr.  this year.  Laquon Treadwell may be the best available and he’s not considered fast or overly big.  Corey Coleman has speed but is only 5’10” and comes from a questionable system at Baylor.

The obvious lack of true difference-making talents this years drives up the value of somebody like Jeffery who is 26-years old and before last season (missed seven games with injuries) posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and reached the Pro Bowl.

Jay Cutler has success without him

It’s easy to forget in the mass panic atmosphere of possibly losing him that it’s not exactly a death blow were he to leave.  Keep in mind quarterback Jay Cutler had success with the Bears before Jeffery even arrived in 2012 and last season, his most efficient and best in his Chicago career, came with Alshon missing almost half the games.  Cutler was winning or almost winning multiple games with the #4, #5 and #6 receiving options on the depth chart to throw to.

He reached an NFC championship in 2010 throwing to the likes of Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox.  It’s not crazy to think he can survive the loss of Jeffery.

Extra 1st round picks

GM Ryan Pace is already feeling pretty good about his draft prospects with nine total picks at his disposal including.  Imagine it might be quite tempting for a young executive to truly gain the maneuverability he desired by securing another 1st round pick.  Given Jeffery’s projected value, it’s almost a guarantee that any team who chose to sign him off the franchise tag would have to give up at least their 1st rounder in 2016 as compensation.  Imagine the magic he might be able to work with that much currency.

Kevin White

Then there is the reality that the Bears may have secured another #1 option last season in Kevin White.  Granted, there is a degree of risk in putting their faith in him given he didn’t play at all in 2015 due to a fractured shin, but multiple experts and scouts still believe the West Virginia product is a star in the making.  If he lives up to his billing, Chicago would only have to build some complementary targets around him.

Based on history, the chances are good if the Chicago Bears franchise tag Alshon Jeffery it with the intent to keep him on the team long-term.  Still, the benefits to a trade can’t be taken lightly.