The 2021 offseason for the Chicago Bears is shaping up to be one of the more unpredictable and intriguing offseasons in team history. With the majority of attention focused on the Bears’ search for a quarterback, there could be a surprise move made at another offensive position, including at wide receiver. On Monday, the Eagles released veteran receiver Alshon Jeffery, a possible target for the Bears, once free agency begins on March 17th.

#Eagles releasing Desean Jackson (today) and Alshon Jeffery (new league year) per @RapSheet.

WR big time in play at 6 overall, of course.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 22, 2021

Alshon’s History With Chicago and Philadelphia Could Play A Major Role

Jeffery was regarded as one of the Bears’ best wide receivers of the past decade. The former South Carolina receiver made a name for himself in Chicago with highlight catches and consistent production. Jeffery caught 27 touchdown passes in a five-year career with the Bears that featured two 1,000 receiving yard seasons and one Pro Bowl appearance in 2013. During his time with the Bears, he was regarded as having one of the largest receiving radiuses in the league and was excellent with 50/50 catches.

When the Bears traded controversial All-Pro receiver Brandon Marshall during the 2015 offseason, Jeffery stepped up and became Chicago’s number one receiver. Despite only playing in nine games, he recorded over 800 yards receiving in 2015. A four-game drug violation suspension in 2016 led to the receiver missing out on having his third 1,000 receiving yard season. Although productive when on the field, Jeffery seemed unhappy in Chicago and proved it in 2017 when he took less money to sign with Philadelphia in free agency.

In Philadelphia, Jeffery was the number one receiver that quarterback Carson Wentz needed as he caught nine of Wentz’s 33 touchdown passes that season. He was also vital in the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl run as he caught 12 passes and three touchdowns in their three playoff games. Since 2017, Jeffery has struggled significantly to stay healthy as he has appeared in a total of 17 games during the last two seasons.

Alshon Jeffery catching this ball in the Super Bowl with a torn rotator cuff is still unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/dKbQOmMMA8

— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeegNFP) February 22, 2021

There Are Many Reasons Why The Bears and Jeffery Could reunite

General manager Ryan Pace’s will focus on revamping the team’s wide receiver position this offseason. Both Allen Robinson and Cordarrelle Patterson will be free agents, while the team will also look to trade or release Anthony Miller and Javon Wims due to character issues. The Bears will be with only Darnell Mooney as the only proven receiver on the roster. The Bears’ main priority at the position will be to either franchise tag or re-sign Robinson to a lengthy contract.

Wide receiver Allen Robinson is the first Chicago Bears receiver to have 1,000 or more yards in a season since Alshon Jeffery did it in 2014.

— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 15, 2019

Jeffery could provide value, as the Bears will need a possession receiver to provide depth. Whether starting opposite of Robinson or proving the offense with a large receiving target, the former Bears’ attributes could entice his former team. The former Pro-Bowler is well past his prime to be viewed as a top wide receiver but could serve as a possible third receiver or used for specific plays and matchups. If healthy, Jeffery’s size could still provide a mismatch for opposing defenders and could be a useful target as the third or fourth option in the offense.

Jeffery would have familiarity with the Bears’ offense as Matt Nagy and deployed the same offensive scheme as former Eagles coach Doug Pederson. He also has prior experience with quarterback Nick Foles and other offensive coaches. The Bears front office and coaching staff could view Jeffery the same way they viewed tight end Jimmy Graham last offseason, utilizing Graham’s strengths as much as possible. Although many felt the tight end was a wasted signing, the former All-Pro caught eight touchdowns as the team used him excellently in red zone opportunities.

Most Targets in Goal to Go situations in 2020 (among TEs):

1. T.J. Hockenson, 8
1. Jimmy Graham, 8
3. Jonnu Smith, 6
3. Travis Kelce, 6

That's more than double his 2019 total of such targets (3). He's caught 4 of those 8 for 4 TDs#OnePride pic.twitter.com/oFvSgF0Dlj

— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) November 12, 2020

If Chicago releases Graham due to salary cap restraints, Jeffery could be a potential target in which Nagy’s staff could similarly deploy him to highlight his strengths. An added benefit could be his cost in free agency as teams are less likely to sign a receiver with an inability to stay healthy as a one-year deal would be likely. Furthermore, Jeffery could provide added depth from a size standpoint as the Bears could lose three of their receivers that are six feet or taller this offseason.

CLASSIC THREAD: Alshon Jeffery's 2013 season consisted of some of the decade's most jaw dropping catches in just his second season in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/j0HNbbrIVF

— Johnny Kinsley (Daft Punk Forever) (@Brickwallblitz) June 28, 2020

The Bears will need to add receivers either through free agency or the draft. That need increases significantly if the team fails to retain Robinson. Jeffrey and the Bears could be heading to reluctant reuniting due to their current situations heading into free agency. Pace and Nagy proved in 2020 that they could get the most out of a player that fans and analysts wrote off. In 2021, The bears’ brain trust could be viewing Jeffery in the same light.