Fansided

NFL franchise tag players: Who gets signed?

By Matt Verderame

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next
Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Alshon Jeffery

After trading Brandon Marshall before the 2015 season, general manager Ryan Pace made the declaration that wide receiver Alshon Jeffery would be the future at that position in Chicago. Pace further showed that thought by applying the franchise tag to Jeffery earlier this year, giving him a tender of $14.599 million for 2016.

Jeffery has stayed away from voluntary offseason activities and it is likely he will also skip mandatory minicamp to ensure he doesn’t get injured before a long-term deal falls into place. It would make sense for both sides to get a deal done before the July 15 deadline, so look for movement in the coming weeks.

Jeffery has been one of the more productive receivers over the last four season, amassing 1.421 yards in 2013 before totaling 1,133 yards in 2014. Jeffery has also been able to find the end zone, scoring 17 touchdowns during that period.

However, Jeffery did not have a great 2015. He struggled to only 54 receptions, 807 yards and four touchdowns, albeit in nine games. If you extrapolate those numbers over a full year, Jeffery has career-highs in yardage and receptions.

This is a tricky contract because of his truncated season, but Pace and Jeffery’s representation, Eugene Parker, should navigate the pitfalls.

Verdict: Signs five-year deal for $45 million with $25 guaranteed

Next: Trumaine Johnson

Home/Baltimore Ravens