Alshon Jeffery Trade Rumors: Latest News and Speculation on Bears WR
Published by Scott Polacek on October 25, 2016
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The 2016 season is shaping up to be a lost one for the 2-6 Chicago Bears, and star wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is reportedly generating trade interest with the Nov. 1 deadline approaching.
Continue for updates.
Jeffery Unlikely to Be Dealt Before Deadline
Monday, Oct. 31
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, the Bears currently have no plans to trade Jeffery:
Pederson Denies Eagles Have Interest in Jeffery
Wednesday, Oct. 26
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson told reporters there is “no legitimacy” to NFL writer Benjamin Allbright‘s Tuesday report that the Eagles “are trying for [Jeffery].” Allbright noted Philadelphia would need to work out a long-term deal with the receiver.
According to Spotrac, Jeffery is an unrestricted free agent after the season. Accordingly, the Bears may be motivated to move him so they receive something in return before he bolts for another team in the offseason.
Allbright noted the Bears would get a mid-round pick back in a trade as compensation.
For the Eagles, Jeffery would fill a glaring need for offensive playmakers. They are 4-2 and only one game behind the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East, thanks to a defense that is third in the league in average points allowed. However, the Eagles are an abysmal 29th in the NFL in passing yards per game.
Jordan Matthews has been solid but unspectacular with 354 receiving yards, while the team’s second-leading receiver is running back Darren Sproles (210 yards).
Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz is working without game-changing weapons, and Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ Advance Media said he “has looked especially good throwing the deep ball, even if receiver Nelson Agholor hasn’t been able to make anything happen with the attempts.”
Jeffery could make something happen on those throws and could fill a huge void for the Eagles as they pursue their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2004 season.
Injuries Have Slowed Jeffery During Career
Despite health issues at quarterback for Chicago, Jeffery has 520 receiving yards on the season. He played in just nine games last year and finished with 807 yards through the air, but he demonstrated just how much of an impact receiver he can be in 2013 and 2014, when he remained healthy and played a full 16-game schedule:
The 6’3″ Jeffery can serve as a lethal red-zone option, as his athleticism and height allow him to high-point passes and fade routes. What’s more, he is still just 26 years old and firmly in the middle of his prime.
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