March 09, 2017
When the Philadelphia Eagles signed Torrey Smith earlier today, they were hardly done shopping for wide receivers. Expect at least one more to be added this free agency period.
Oh, and hey, look. According to Josina Anderson of ESPN, Bears WR Alshon Jeffery is leaning toward signing with the Eagles when free agency begins.
I'm told, as of now, WR Alshon Jeffery is leaning towards choosing the #Eagles when free agency starts.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017
Jeffery is regarded by most as the best available free agent wide receiver. He is a legitimate "No. 1 receiver." Over his last four seasons, he is averaging just under 80 receiving yards per game. He's a big target in the red zone at 6'3, 218, and he does a great job on 50-50 balls down the field. Jeffery would give the Eagles' passing offense an instant and significant boost.
Some believe Jeffery could fetch "Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas money." Bryant and Thomas both signed five-year, $70 million deals. Thomas' contract included $35 million fully guaranteed, while Bryant's was $32 million fully guaranteed.
Jeffery will turn 27 this offseason and is a player who should be in the prime of his career.
On the downside, there are some have concerns about Jeffery's injury history, as well as the fact that he was suspended for four games last year for violating the league policy on performance enhancing drugs. A second suspension would result in a 10-game suspension, much like Lane Johnson's in 2016.
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