2:14pm: The Bears have officially placed the franchise tag on Jeffery, the team announced today (via Twitter).
MONDAY, 2:06pm: The Bears remain on track to use the franchise tag on Jeffery, after multiple discussions in Indianapolis with agent Tory Dandy failed to result in a long-term deal, tweets Rapoport. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports confirms (via Twitter) that the Bears have let Jeffery’s camp know they’ll tag the wideout, while ESPN’s Josina Anderson tweets that it’ll be the non-exclusive franchise tag, worth $14.599MM.
FRIDAY, 1:48pm: While the franchise tag appears likely for Jeffery, his agent will meet with the Bears again in Indianapolis to discuss a longer-term deal, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
1:28pm: The Bears will use their franchise tag on wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). The move, which isn’t yet official, doesn’t come as a surprise, since a report earlier this week suggested Chicago expected to retain the free agent wideout.
[RELATED: Bears expected to retain Alshon Jeffery]
Speaking to reporters this week at the combine in Indianapolis, general manager Ryan Pace indicated that the team was “aggressively” negotiating with the receiver now in an effort to lock him up to a new deal. Pace, who said he gets the sense that Jeffery wants to remain in Chicago, said at the time that using the franchise tag was on the table as a potential outcome, and with Tuesday’s deadline looming, it seems the situation is headed in that direction.
After averaging 87 receptions and 1,277 yards in 2013 and 2014, Jeffery was plagued by injuries in 2015, but he was excellent when healthy, averaging a career-high 89.7 yards per game. If and when he is franchised by the Bears, he’ll be in line for a salary north of $14MM for 2016. He could still work out a longer-term agreement with the team by July 15th, or play the season on the one-year tag.
In other franchise tag news, the Ravens have already used theirs on kicker Justin Tucker, while Washington is said to be deciding between the franchise or transition tag for quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Chris Long was released by LA Rams would be a great Bear on a reasonable deal
Franchise tags should not be allowed. If a player doesn’t want to play for a team he shouldn’t be forced to play with them. When they hit free agency they should get a chance to sign with any team they want
So a team should have to spend millions of dollars developing players so that player can just up and leave a lot of times as they hit their peak? That’s unfair to the team. Franchise tags are the most fair outcomenfor both parties. It’s a one year deal for lots of money.
How is it fair for the player? They are forced to go back to a team they may not want to be with while not getting the money they are worth until (if) they sign a contract. If a player hits free agency every team should have a chance to get that player. If his previous team can’t get him then so be it. Why do you think players and teams can’t agree to contracts? It’s because the team won’t give the player the money he’s worth so they franchise tag him so they only have to give him a portion of what they know he’ll get.
Do you realize that franchising players is still a very expensive proposition for teams? The other thing is why do people only look at what’s “fair” for players as opposed to what’s “fair” for organizations. Organizations are made up of people who are trying to be successful in there own endeavors and part of that is retaining the best players. The franchise tag is very fair
I have jeffrey in a 3 keeper fantasy league, and i have gronk and need to keep 2/3 of jeffrey amari cooper and doug martin, what would you do?
I’d go with Cooper and Martin (depending on who gets him in free agency). You can’t rely on a player who’s QB is Jay Cutler. If Jeffrey had a more reliable QB he would be a lock but he you never know how he’ll perform week to week
I think Alshon Jeffery has done more than okay with Jay Cutler as his QB. Cutler has been a risk taker and that has benefitted his WR’s from a fantasy perspective as he gives them plenty of chances to make plays on the ball.