Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery suspended 4 games for PEDs

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears have experienced yet another low in their already abysmal season. On Monday afternoon, news broke that receiver Alshon Jeffery will be suspended 4 games for using PEDs.

The NFL has announced that Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery will be suspended four games for violating the league’s PED policy.

The suspension will begin immediately for the Bears’ leading receiver. He will be eligible to return in week 15 against the Green Bay Packers.

Jeffery is experiencing one of the worst years of his career with only one touchdown catch and 630 yards receiving. Should Jeffery’s numbers stay where they are, it would end as his second-worst season during his NFL career.

The Chicago Bears will now have Cameron Meredith and Joshua Bellamy starting on the outside with Eddie Royal lining up in the slot. Jeffery’s suspension may also open the door for fan favorite Daniel Braverman to make an appearance for the Bears. Regardless, Chicago will lose out on their best offensive weapon down the stretch.

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Unfortunately for Jeffery, the suspension couldn’t have occurred at a worse time. He essentially bet on himself this offseason when he signed a franchise tender with the Bears. The contract offered him a one year tryout to show that he was worth top 5 receiver money. However, Jeffery’s “tryout” has been far from ideal. Poor performance, injuries, and now a suspension will unquestionably cut Jeffery’s asking price this offseason. However, the biggest question that remains is if he will remain a Chicago Bear.

Considering the mess that is the 2016 season, the Bears could push for change this offseason. Chicago could realistically boot their starting quarterback, offensive coordinator, and head coach at the end of the year. Jeffery could find himself caught in the wash in light of his suspension.

In a lone bright spot, the Bears will recover $3.435 million in cap space because of Jeffery’s forfeited salary.