The Chicago Bears drafted wide receiver Alshon Jeffery in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Jeffery is known for making spectacular catches and is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. During his three years in the league, Jeffery has always been the team’s number two receiver behind Brandon Marshall.
With Marshall being traded to the New York Jets, it is now time for Jeffery to prove that he is a true number one receiver. Becoming the team’s number one receiver comes at a great time for Jeffery as his current contract ends after this season.
Receivers Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas just signed huge contracts with their respective teams. Both players received five-year deals worth $70 million. Jeffery’s stats in his first three years are very similar to both Bryant and Thomas.
Jeffery has caught 198 passes for 2,921 yards with 21 touchdowns. In Bryant’s first three seasons he had 200 catches for 2,871 yards and 27 touchdowns. Thomas snagged 148 catches for 2,268 yards and 16 touchdowns during his first three seasons.
The Bears used their first round pick this year on Kevin White, a wide receiver out of West Virginia. White is expected to take over the role Jeffery has owned the past three years. Eddie Royal has also been added as the slot receiver for the offense. These moves should help Jeffery to have a big year.
The Bears will have to decide how much they are willing to spend to re-sign Jeffery. I’m sure the starting point for negotiations will be around the same amount as Bryant and Thomas received.
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