Chicago Bears: 5 Options If Alshon Jeffery Walks In 2017

There is a growing belief that Alshon Jeffery is not going to budge on his contract demands, and the Chicago Bears are not going to meet his price.

Inevitably this has led to speculation that the team is prepared to have him play out his franchise tag contract in 2016 and more than likely let him test free agency in 2017. Should that happen the odds are in favor of him not returning. Should that be the case, it stands to reason the team will use its substantial resources in money and draft picks to invest at the receiver position to help replace the loss.

Here are some names worth watching for next off-season based on projections of productivity and availability.

Michael Floyd (Free Agent)

For the past few years its felt like Michael Floyd has been on the edge of breaking out in Arizona but just can’t seem to do it. He had 1,000 yards in 2013 and has posted over 800 the past two years. So at the very least he’s a high quality secondary option who still has the ceiling of a top target if the light ever goes on. There’s no doubt he’s got the size and the athletic talent. Best of all he seems to possess a certain knack for making big plays in big moments.

Terrance Williams (Free Agent)

He is by no means a top tier target, but Terrance Williams has demonstrated all the capabilities of a trademark #2 guy. He’s been an excellent complement to Dez Bryant in Dallas, averaging over 700 yards and five touchdowns in three seasons without missing a game. Chances are if the Cowboys, who will be cash-strapped next year decide to let him walk, he won’t cost too much to bring in. There is nothing special about him, but he’s got plenty of solid traits.

Kenny Stills (Free Agent)

The Bears actually showed interest in him last year when the Saints made him available for trade, but Stills ended up going to the Miami Dolphins instead. Depending on how things go down there this year, Pace may get another shot at him next March. Stills in the quintessential deep threat. He has averaged 16.5 yards per catch in three seasons and posted 931 yards in 2014 before he was dealt. His game may not be multidimensional, but every offense needs a big play specialist and that is him.

Mike Williams (Draft)

Big things were expected from him in 2015 but an unfortunate bit of bad luck involving a goal post collision that injured his neck forced Mike Williams out for the season. Yet even before there were signs of his playmaking potential. As a sophomore he caught 57 balls for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns, averaging a gaudy 18.1 yards per catch. At 6’4” he has a plenty wide catch radius and the speed to take defenses deep if they’re not careful.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (Draft)

Usually when a sophomore posts 89 catches for 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns it’s because he has an outstanding quarterback with a big arm chucking it down the field. That wasn’t the case at all for Smith-Schuster. Many of his big plays were made after the catch due to the limited arm strength of Cody Kessler. He just knows what to do with the football in his hands and presents a decent-sized target at 6’2”, 215 lbs. No doubt he’d love showcasing his vertical speed a little more often with Cutler lobbing it to him.

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