10 Takeaways from Chicago Bears OTAs and Minicamp

May 25, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the OTA practice at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the OTA practice at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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7. Alshon Jeffery Looks Very Good

Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the NFL game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Chicago won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the NFL game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Chicago won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jeffery received a lot of criticism for working out in Florida during OTAs, but he’s currently working on a contract extension with the team. It’s not a surprise that Jeffery didn’t work out with the team during OTAs nor was it a big deal. None of the players felt snubbed and Jeffery did report on-time for minicamp.

The Bears, while negotiating with Jeffery’s agent, haven’t made much of a strong push to shell out the big dollars that Jeffery is looking for and seem very content to play Jeffery on the franchise tag this year. Many players hate to do that, but to Jeffery’s credit, he signed the tag and hasn’t complained about it once.

While Jeffery will essentially be on a one year contract, the good news is that he knows it’s important to shine this season, and he was ready for minicamp. Jeffery is in excellent shape and looked very good at practice, picking right where he left off with Jay Cutler.

The Bears don’t have many proven receiving options for Cutler, so Jeffery’s performance this year will be critical for the offense. At this point, it looks like Jeffery is poised for a great season- if he can stay on the field.

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