The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off in Indianapolis this week as draft hopefuls look to increase their stock
The first year of the John Fox and Ryan Pace era is over in Chicago. Now the second year of the rebuilding phase is upon us and the Bears have some big moves to make.
One of those moves involves wide receiver Alshon Jeffery who is seeking a long term deal with the franchise.
The Bears are officially able to put the franchise tag on the star receiver as of last week, but have not done so. The end goal is to get a long-term deal done with the 26-year-old and Pace confirmed that during his press conference Wednesday.
“We are actively and aggressively negotiating right now,” Pace told the media. “We understand the deadline is [next] Tuesday for the franchise tag. That’s an option. We have until Tuesday to make that decision, but right now that’s kind of ongoing.”
The ideal situation is to get a deal done before the deadline to tag players comes on March 1. But if the two sides cant come to an agreement, it’s likely the franchise tag will be the option.
Despite being hurt last season, Jeffery recorded 54 receptions for 804 yards and 4 touchdowns. He didn’t miss a single game in the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Fox praises Cutler’s 2015 season
Jeffery wasn’t the only topic of discussion regarding the Bears offense. In 2015, quarterback Jay Cutler had one of the best years of his career under new offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
The scheme was changed to limit Cutler’s mistakes and going into the final week of the season, he hadn’t had a multiple interception game.
Fox praised Cutler, calling him an important part of the offense. “He was probably one of the brightest spots about our first year in Chicago,” Fox told the media. “I saw way more about his mental toughness, I saw way more about how he can control an offense and execute it under pressure. I think that speaks volumes about how successful he was on third down, which is a tough down for a quarterback in the NFL.”
Fox went on to add that he was very pleased with what he saw in Cutler.
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