Where will Alshon Jeffery sign in 2016 NFL free agency?
Even after injuries cost Alshon Jeffery seven games in the 2015 NFL season, he should be fixing to cash in on a big contract in free agency with two 1,000 receiving yard seasons and 21 touchdowns over his past three years. Let’s take a deep look at Jeffery and figure out what he is worth, as well as who is going to pay him the money.
Vitals
Age: 26
Notable stat: 21 touchdowns in 41 games over last three seasons
All-Pro teams: Zero
Pro Bowls: One (2013)
Contract comparisons
Jeffery is a big athletic receiver who is largely a deep threat. Let’s look at some similar players. The most similar player to Jeffery might be A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals. Green is a better version of Jeffery, but Jeffery’s stats are closer to Green’s production that one might think.
The Bengals receiver signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Bengals in September, with $32.75 million guaranteed. Though Green had a better season than Jeffery in 2015, the two previous seasons saw Jeffery put up better numbers than Green.
For Jeffery, inflation of the cap helps his case. Working against him will be his injury-ridden 2015 season. Green’s contract will serve as a comparable, though Jeffery should make less than him. He is still going to get paid handsomely.
Estimate: 5 years/$50 million/$28 million guaranteed
Will he stay?
The Chicago Bears would probably love to keep Jeffery. He’s their best receiver by a significant margin and has been a security blanket for quarterback Jay Cutler. They decided to trade Brandon Marshall last offseason so they absolutely cannot afford to lose him. Despite only starting eight games, he was their leading receiver. It makes so much sense for the Bears to keep Jeffery and likely will do so on the franchise tag.
If he leaves…
Jeffery will certainly have teams clamoring for him to leave the Bears for greener pastures. The Baltimore Ravens could express interest in him, as would the Minnesota Vikings. Jeffery would also be a fit for the Oakland Raiders. He would form a pretty dynamic receiving duo with Amari Cooper there. Don’t rule out the New York Jets as they have Jeffery’s former teammate and friend Brandon Marshall.