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Chicago Bears Free Agency Preview Part I: 2017 Offensive Free Agents

By Bryan Dietzler

Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch against Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay defeats Chicago 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch against Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay defeats Chicago 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) celebrates with Chicago Bears wide receiver Deonte Thompson (14) after scoring a touchdown during third quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers the at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) celebrates with Chicago Bears wide receiver Deonte Thompson (14) after scoring a touchdown during third quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers the at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

There is so much to say about Alshon Jeffery he could have his own story about whether the Bears should re-sign him or let him walk.  On its face, it would appear as if bringing Jeffery back on the franchise tag was a big mistake but his poor season is not entirely his fault.  The injuries at the quarterback position was a big part of his struggles this season.  Yes, the suspension for PED’s didn’t help either but the quarterback carousel was something that cannot be blamed on Jeffery.

What should the Bears do with Jeffery?  They can use someone with his talents, there is no doubt about that, but he is not worth the kind of money that he garnered last year.  The Bears should make every effort to re-sign him but at a fair price that’s not too far above his actual value.  If they can’t bring him back at a decent price, they should let him walk.

And no, they shouldn’t use a tag on Jeffery either.

In addition to Jeffery, the Bears have two more receivers who will be completely off their contracts at the end of this season.  They are Deonte Thompson and Marquess Wilson.  The Bears have a bit of a dilemma here.  If they let them both walk, they should bring in new talent and get the new guys up to speed on the offense (but who knows the offense could be changing).

Thompson is not, nor will he ever be, a number one wide receiver but he’s a good two or three.

Wilson, admittedly, has been a bit of disappointment with all the injuries he has suffered.  And, he has been hurt again.  It seemingly never ends.

Then there is Joshua Bellamy, a Bears’ fan’s favorite punching bag.  Bellamy is going to be an exclusive rights free agent so the Bears have the first shot at re-signing him.  Should they take that shot?  While Bellamy is a solid special team’s player he is not a consistent wide receiver (drops anyone?).  Even if fans wanted him back, the coaching staff probably wouldn’t because of his inconsistency.

What should the final word be?  Chicago should attempt to re-sign Jeffery but not for an astronomical amount of money.  They should get Thompson back on a one-year deal but Wilson’s career in Chicago should be over.  It’s not his fault he is injured so often but he can not take up a roster spot and wait for something that may never happen.  Bellamy will almost assuredly not be back in 2017.

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