The Bernstein Brief: Deal For Alshon Jeffery Makes Little Sense
By Dan Bernstein--
CBSChicago senior columnist
(CBS) With a week remaining for franchise-tagged players to come to terms with their teams on multi-year contracts, the Bears and receiver Alshon Jeffery are still reportedly unlikely to agree to longer terms.
While talks are ongoing between the two sides, "there's not a lot of confidence," NFL Media's Mike Garofalo reported. The Bears are offering far less than Jeffery envisions making as a top-tier receiver, and "both sides don't feel strongly about this one."
That's not exactly the best way to describe the situation, however, as sources have told 670 The Score that the Bears indeed feel strongly that Jeffery must prove himself as reliable, durable and committed completely to the team. Coach John Fox was unhappy that Jeffery skipped voluntary workouts and has no patience for players slowed by nagging injuries like Jeffery was last season.
The best scenario for both sides is for Jeffery to play the year out under the tag and prove that he's worthy of top dollars in a big guaranteed deal. For the Bears, whatever results from that succeeding would be a problem to be welcomed.
Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. You can follow him on Twitter @dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.
