One would normally expect Jeffery to not even bother fielding questions after the way his year ended. Just one catch for 10 yards in a 38-10 blowout against Minnesota. This just a couple weeks after he concluded a four-game suspension for PED violations. Yet nobody has been more vocal in regards to his thoughts on the future of this team. Not just casual comments either.
Bold predictions, no less.
Alshon Jeffery: “I guarantee you we are going to win the Super Bowl next year.” #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 1, 2017
Alshon Jeffery comparing the #Bears to the #Patriots: "We just like them. Only difference is a few plays here and there.”
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 2, 2017
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That’s rather unusual for him to say considering he’s about to become a free agent. Many have pessimistic views that he won’t be back next year. This despite the fact he’s finished with at least 800 yards receiving in four-straight seasons. Something no other Bears receiver in history can boast. One would expect him to dodge such inquiries. Instead he’s taken them head on.
When pressed about his optimism for the team next season and his own status within that picture, he provided by far the most straightforward answer to date.
Alshon Jeffery: "2017 is going to be a different Chicago #Bears team."
Will he be on that team?
"I just answered the question, didn’t I?”
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) January 2, 2017
There really is no way to misread that statement. It sounds like Alshon fully expects his agent and GM Ryan Pace to work out a deal that keeps him in Chicago. The Bears have more than enough salary cap space and his price went down after his failed gamble to play on the franchise tag. Besides the team has plenty of reasons to want him back.
If he leaves they are left with Cameron Meredith, Kevin White, Eddie Royal and Josh Bellamy as their top receivers. Not exactly a group that inspires optimism, especially with a new quarterback likely coming in. Alshon is 26-years old. There is plenty of time for him to regain that Pro Bowl form he flashed back in 2013.
Alshon vs Rhodes … advantage Alshon pic.twitter.com/JwDqLDpAoA
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) November 1, 2016
This is still a fluid situation that can shift direction without warning. Still, it sounds very much like Alshon Jeffery has every intention of staying with the Chicago Bears. If that ends up being the case, then it falls to the team to find a quarterback who can somehow get him the football.
