Rapoport: Chicago Bears “Not Expected” To Tag WR Alshon Jeffery

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported this morning that the Chicago Bears are “not expected” to place a franchise tag on WR Alshon Jeffery:

The Los Angeles Rams are heading into the 2017 offseason with a significant need at the position. Jeffery, who could be considered the top receiver of the free agent class this spring, would be an obvious favorite potential signing for a large number of fans.

The Rams, of course, won’t be alone in a possible pursuit of Jeffery, but General Manager Les Snead alluded to the position being one of need this weekend. If nothing else, the Rams will be able to match their peers in motivation to add new talent at the position either through free agency or the draft...or both.

As for Jeffery, he certainly carries some red flags. He was hit with a 4-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs last season. That’s a concern in and of itself, but it’s worth remembering that a second transgression would result in a 10-game suspension. He’s also been tagged with some injuries that would require medical evaluation: a hand injury and knee injury from his rookie season in 2012 and more recently a hamstring injury in 2015 that landed him on injured reserve. There’s also the nature of his exit from college football which came amid swirling reports of low work ethic and general disinterest which led to some weight issues.

Concerns noted, Jeffery has racked up more than 4,500 receiving yards and 26 receiving touchdowns in his five-year career. At just 27-years old, he’s got plenty of career in front of him.

Alshon Jeffery might be just what franchise QB Jared Goff and new Head Coach Sean McVay need to get the Rams’ offense turned around in 2017.