Permitting Alshon Jeffery to reach free agency hurts the Chicago Bears on multiple levels.
Say what you want about Jeffery’s past two seasons — derailed because of injuries and suspension — but he’s an accomplished and coveted player. Jeffery averaged 72.2 receiving yards per game for the Bears; only Brandon Marshall (78.3) averaged more per game in team history (32-game minimum). Wide receivers like Jeffery, 27, rarely hit free agency — most teams go out of their way to extend No. 1 receivers. There will be substantial interest in Jeffery’s services beginning March 9, and the Bears’ reluctance to engage in any recent meaningful contract talks puts them at a disadvantage. Jeffery wants to play for a contender and will strongly explore all options.
Without Jeffery, the Bears are vulnerable at wide receiver.
Third-year receiver Cameron Meredith is coming off an impressive season, but no one is ready to anoint him a No. 1.
The Jeffery decision creates a gaping hole on the depth chart. The Bears have to get serious about pursuing receivers in free agency and the draft, but will any be better than Jeffery? Remember, Jeffery has 13 career 100-yard receiving games. And from 2013-14, Jeffery combined for 174 receptions, 2,554 yards and 17 touchdowns.
That’s not easy production to replace.
Yes, $17.5 million is a large salary-cap number for one player to carry. But Chicago is positioned to be in the top five in cap space (the cap is also expanding), and that is before $13 million is cleared with the expected release or trade of Jay Cutler.
Speaking of quarterback, the Bears are moving on from Cutler and therefore are expected to have a new starter in Week 1. If the new quarterback happens to be a younger player, or maybe even Jimmy Garoppolo, whom is he supposed to throw the ball to? The Bears plan to prioritize an offseason quarterback upgrade, yet allow the club’s most decorated receiver to walk away for nothing? Even a veteran bridge quarterback — Brian Hoyer, for example — can thrive only with quality receivers.
The Bears have essentially left the cupboard bare — unless they aggressively address receiver next month and beyond.
But Chicago already had glaring needs at quarterback, tight end, cornerback and safety before they declined to apply a second tag on Jeffery.
Why create another unnecessary void on the roster?
Round 1: April 27, 8 p.m. ET
Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have plenty of positions they need to bolster, but none is more important than pass-catchers and cover corners. Read the post here.
Atlanta Falcons: Although the Falcons had much better success pressuring quarterbacks this past season, the defensive line still needs an upgrade. Read the post here.
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens haven’t taken a pass-rusher in the first round since Terrell Suggs in 2003 and could look at Tennessee’s Derek Barnett. Read the post here.
Buffalo Bills: An argument can be made that quarterback should still be a top need for the Bills even if Tyrod Taylor is still on the team. Read the post here.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are solid at defensive tackle, so that leaves an every-down defensive end and running back as top targets. Read the post here.
Chicago Bears: Chicago is ready to move in a different direction from Jay Cutler, so the Bears have to get serious about drafting a quarterback. Read the post here.
Cincinnati Bengals: Some of the Bengals’ defensive veterans have reached an age where the team needs to look for upgrades. Read the post here.
Cleveland Browns: The team’s perpetual combine examination of quarterbacks enters phase 7,192, as the Browns will interview the top candidates. Read the post here.
Dallas Cowboys: It can be argued that the Cowboys need help in some form at every position other than running back. But the focus has to be on defense. Read the post here.
Denver Broncos: The offensive front continues to vex the Broncos, and this is the third consecutive offseason they will conduct a makeover there. Read the post here.
Detroit Lions: Needing to upgrade their pass rush and boost the running game, the Lions are likely to eye linemen on both sides of the ball and linebackers. Read the post here.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers have big holes despite finishing a win away from the Super Bowl; they probably will address defense first, but running back is possible. Read the post here.
Houston Texans: Uncertainty at quarterback and holes in the offensive line make those the obvious areas to watch for the Texans. Read the post here.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts’ aging defensive front was pushed around last season, making it a priority for new general manager Chris Ballard to find upgrades. Read the post here.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Offensive line is the Jaguars’ top priority this offseason, but defensive end and safety are among other positions they could address in the draft. Read the post here.
Kansas City Chiefs: Even if Jamaal Charles plays in 2017, the Chiefs can’t go through another season with that position not as strong as it should be. Read the post here.
Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers could upgrade by adding an offensive lineman to protect Philip Rivers or another receiver for Rivers to target. Read the post here.
Los Angeles Rams: Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley is one player the Rams may keep an eye on at the combine as they look to improve their secondary. Read the post here.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins should be looking closely at linebackers and offensive line help; Florida linebacker Jarrad Davis could be one solution. Read the post here.
Minnesota Vikings: While the Vikings will take a best-player-available approach at the draft, they’ll have a close eye on O-linemen and a deep running back class at the combine. Read the post here.
New England Patriots: Martellus Bennett’s solid season could mean a payday elsewhere. Rob Gronkowski is coming off back surgery. So the Patriots need to look at tight ends. Read the post here.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints have needs at every level of their defense, and they should have good options for adding some help with the No. 11 pick. Read the post here.
New York Giants: The Giants revamped their defense last offseason. Now it’s time to add playmakers on offense, and a vertical threat at tight end would help. Read the post here.
New York Jets: The Jets, who have one of the most talent-deficient rosters in the NFL, will have their choice of which need to address with the sixth pick. Read the post here.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders need to find somebody who can help bring pressure on the quarterback — be it through the pass rush or top-notch downfield coverage. Read the post here.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are desperate for cornerbacks with both 2016 starters gone; receivers for QB Carson Wentz also will be a priority. Read the post here.
Pittsburgh Steelers: An injection of speed off the edge would elevate an already solid Pittsburgh defense. Read the post here.
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks know they have to do a better job of protecting Russell Wilson, so offensive tackle is a big need. Read the post here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs could use help at receiver, tight end and running back to continue on their upward trajectory. Read the post here.
Tennessee Titans: Finding immediate help at cornerback and receiver is a must for the Titans. Read the post here.
Washington Redskins: The defensive line is a priority, as the Redskins lack high-level young talent to build around. Read the post here.