ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting that soon to be free agent Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey is going to test the market and would like to sign with a contender. The Bears have exclusive negotiation rights with Jeffrey until March 7th, but have declined to franchise the 27 year old receiver. The tag would have cost the team roughly $17.5 million. Having already tagged him this past season, the Bears hope they can secure Jeffrey at a lower number.
While Jeffrey doesn’t appear to be interested, he doesn’t have hard feelings towards the team, saying:
I don’t have any hard feelings towards the Bears — it’s all love. Whatever the next chapter is, I’m ready for it. I’m looking at the teams that obviously need a wide receiver, but also put me in the best situation to win a championship right now. I also want to see what other free agents may be attracted to the same teams I’ll be looking at. That can help that goal.
Interesting comments. Not sure what role money will play. If winning a championship is paramount and he isn’t concerned with money, the Patriots are always an option. Providing he could conform to the “Patriot Way.”
The Bucs were 9-7 last year and could use another receiving threat. Defense is solid and Jameis is a good young quarterback.
The Titans aren’t a serious contender yet, but Mariota could use a weapon and they would have the flexibility to pay.
Jeffrey is a very talented offensive weapon and if he is serious about wanting to win a championship he could help a team seriously contend for a title.