The Philadelphia Eagles just made a huge move that will really help second-year quarterback Carson Wentz improve on an already solid rookie campaign. The Eagles agreed to a one-year contract with free agent wide receiver Alshon Jeffery worth $14 million. The move sends one of the NFL's most exciting receivers to the Eagles and eliminates yet another weapon from the Chicago Bears offense.
Philadelphia Eagles get stronger with Alshon Jeffery
Carson Wentz had a solid rookie campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles that was overshadowed by NFC East rival Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys.
Wentz completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 3,782 yards and 16 touchdowns. He did this with his tight end Zach Ertz as his leading receiver and Jordan Matthews as his only great wideout option with 73 receptions for 804 yards. In 2016, Alshon Jeffery had an offseason with only 52 receptions for 821 yards. However, when healthy in 2013-2014, he had two straight 1,000 yard receiving seasons with 17 combined touchdowns. The Eagles also added speedy receiver Torrey Smith to join the party, giving Wentz some solid weapons. The one-year deal gives Jeffery a chance to prove himself once again and set himself up for a big payday in 2018.
Chicago Bears completely rebuilding after losing Alshon Jeffery
The Chicago Bears will look completely different in 2017, which might not be a bad thing after missing the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons. The team will release quarterback Jay Cutler and let their best wide receiver go in Alshon Jeffery. According to ESPN, Jeffery wanted to play for a team with an established quarterback and system in place rather than start over in Chicago.
The new top receiver in Chicago is Cameron Meredith and Eddie Royal is still there as a veteran presence. The Bears also have a brand new quarterback in Mike Glennon, who spent the last two years backing up Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay, and Jordan Howard at running back. Needless to say, the Bears are rebuilding once again and it was time for Alshon Jeffery to look at his own future in the NFL.